BARRELLS has been granted a planning permit to officially operate in the capacity of a nightclub.
Council’s tick of approval to allow the venue to continue operating as a nightclub comes despite its previous planning permit stipulating approval for a “licensed restaurant, wine bar and building renovations”.
In addition to granting approval for the use of land as a nightclub, council has also thrown its support behind extensions of the building, to the existing liquor licence area and to existing liquor licence trading hours.
The move will see the venue extend its trading hours, including the service of alcohol, on Saturday nights from 3am to 5am, and for special events including Good Friday, the Queen’s Birthday weekend and Christmas Day.
Minor building and works will also take place, and these include extending the courtyard at the rear of the building, an extension to the men’s toilet and the installation of a new bar.
Approval was given to the extended trading hours despite strong opposition by police. They objected to the extended trading hours on the basis of current anti-social behaviour arising as a result of the current liquor licence.
Police stated there was “a lack of management intervention capability and a systemic anti-social behavioural problem in and around this licensed premises”.
They also noted “there was no evidence attached in the application to support the fact that a later closing time such as 5am would assist or limit the behavioural issues”.
For the full story, pick up a copy of Friday’s Guardian (September 19).
