A BAR in Barnsley town centre has been allowed to extend its opening hours despite objections from a neighbouring business over alleged lewd behaviour.
The Country Club, on the Victorian Arcade, will now open from 9am until 2am daily, following a successful application to vary its premises licence.
Live music can now be played indoors from 5.30pm to 11pm, while recorded music is permitted both indoors and outdoors from 9am to 2am.
However, only a small speaker may be used outside, and only after nearby shops have closed.
Alcohol sales have also been extended, allowing both on and off-site consumption from 9am to 2am, an increase from the previous 11am to 11pm timeframe.
Opening hours have similarly been extended to 2am after owners Paul and Rebecca McNicholas’ plans were passed.
Neighbouring opticians The Spectacle Shop objected to the plans, raising concerns about noise, antisocial behaviour and the wellbeing of vulnerable customers.
One incident, captured on CCTV and submitted to the council, showed a woman allegedly jiggling her breasts at passers-by, including an 85-year-old man.
Shop owner Phillip Potter acknowledged that some behaviour, like what he called ‘jiggle-gate’, was beyond the bar’s control but said it still contributed to an unsuitable atmosphere.
Potter argued the two businesses were ‘fundamentally incompatible’.
“When The Country Club first opened, we agreed to reduce our opening hours from a 5.30pm close to a 4pm close,” he said.
“Now we can live with that, but I can’t live with an even earlier close.
“When I go to the pub, I’m not worried about what I’m saying, I’m letting my hair down.
“But we get people coming in with severe problems that can be life-changing, and the environment has to feel right.
“The reason we closed early is because the environment didn’t feel right anymore.”
An objection from another nearby business - Gallagher’s Cafe - was withdrawn after the applicants proposed conditions to limit noise and monitor behaviour.
These included restricting outdoor music before 5.30pm, regular noise checks, improved CCTV and staff supervising outside during night-time trading hours, and a pledge to maintain open communication with nearby businesses.
Solicitor Michelle Hazlewood, representing Mr and Mrs McNicholas, told the committee the pair have more than 20 years’ experience operating licensed venues in Barnsley, including Annie Murray’s on Market Hill.
Paul added: “It’s contributed well to Barnsley’s economy and we’re very happy to be a part of an area that’s regularly receiving compliments from both residents and out-of-town visitors who love the Arcade’s diversity.”
