A bar located in the seaside town of Filey has submitted an application for a late-night alcohol and music licence that has sparked controversy among local residents and officials. Harry's Bar, situated on Murray Street, is seeking approval for a premises licence that would allow it to sell alcohol and play music until 1am every day of the week. This application will be reviewed by a licensing committee at Scarborough Town Hall on Tuesday, April 22.
The owner of Harry's Bar has stated that the venue is intended to function as a "sports and family bar serving food and drinks," with the sale of alcohol being secondary to its core offerings. Despite the intention of creating a family-friendly atmosphere, the application has drawn significant objections from the local community. Among those voicing concerns is a resident who works as a nurse, stating, "I work as a nurse and have to get up for work at 5.20am – allowing the premises to stay open until 1am is going to have a huge impact on me to be able to do my job with little or no sleep. This application is inconsiderate for people living in this area."
The application has also faced scrutiny from the Filey Town Council, which held discussions regarding the implications of the proposed licence. Members expressed concerns particularly about the potential effects on users of the nearby Memorial Gardens, a place often frequented for quiet reflection and remembrance. This area, adjacent to Harry's Bar, is significant for the community, especially during solemn occasions such as Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day, and Yorkshire Day, when various acts of remembrance are held.
In their response, Filey Town Council highlighted the importance of these memorial events, noting that they involve moments of silence and solemn tributes, which could be disrupted by live or recorded music from the bar. While the council acknowledged their confidence in the current operator to respect these important events, they proposed a potential condition for the licence that would limit live and recorded music until noon on memorial days.
As the licensing committee prepares to make a decision, they have three options: to approve the licence as it stands, modify it, or reject it entirely. The outcome of this application is eagerly anticipated by both supporters of Harry's Bar as well as those who have raised their concerns.
Source: Noah Wire Services