Agenda item

            The Committee considered an application from JK Pubs Limited, for the variation of their 7-Day Annual Entertainments Licences based on the Council’s standard conditions, to provide music, singing, dancing or any other entertainment of a like kind, for the following three premises:

·        Muriel’s, 12-14 Church Lane, Belfast BT1 4QN;

·        The Spaniard, 3 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DZ; and

·        The Jeggy Nettle, 12 Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5AA

            The Principal Building Control Surveyor outlined that the days and hours during which entertainment may be provided at the establishments, under the terms of its current Entertainments Licence, were:

Muriel’s

·        Monday – Saturday 11:30am to 1.00am the following morning

·        Sunday 12:30pm to 1.00am the following morning.

The Spaniard

·        Monday – Saturday 11:30am to 1.00am the following morning

·        Sunday 12:30pm to 1.00am the following morning.

The Jeggy Nettle

·        Monday – Saturday 11:30am to 1.00am the following morning

·        Sunday 12:30pm to 12.00 midnight.

            She explained that, at present, entertainment was provided in the form of DJs and live bands on the following nights:-

Muriels and The Spaniard

·        Friday and Saturday nights.

The Jeggy Nettle

·        Monday and Wednesday to Sunday nights inclusive.

            The Committee was advised that the licensee had stated that they would like the variation to extend the permitted hours until 2.00am as the Licensee feels that the three premises are an integral part of Belfast’s nightlife and that an increase in operating hours would allow them to compete within the sector, which was essential for the commercial success of the businesses.

            Public notice of the application had been placed and no written representations were lodged as a result of the advertisement.

            The Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service had both been consulted in relation to the application and they had both confirmed that they had no objection to the application.

The Members were advised that no noise complaints had been received by the Service in relation to the venue in the past 12 months.  

The Chairperson welcomed the applicant to the meeting, Ms. J. Kane.

            In response to a Member’s question in relation to what sound mitigation measures had been implemented for residents near the Jeggy Nettle, Ms. Kane advised that policies and procedures were in place to manage noise and staff were experienced in the dispersal of customers in a timely manner. She pointed out that the Jeggy Nettle had a good track record in regard to the emergency services and highlighted that, if agreed, the variation would be utilised, when required, to compete with other businesses in the area.

            During discussion, one Member suggested the requirement for an additional condition of engaging with the Stranmillis Residents’ Association.

            Accordingly, the Committee approved the applications for the variation of the 7- Day Annual Entertainments Licence to vary the hours during which entertainment may be provided as follows:

Muriel’s

·        Monday – Saturday 11:30am to 2.00am the following morning; and

·        Sunday 12:30pm to 2.00am the following morning.

The Spaniard

·        Monday – Saturday 11:30am to 2.00am the following morning; and

·        Sunday 12:30pm to 2.00am the following morning.

The Jeggy Nettle

·        Monday – Saturday 11:30am to 2.00am the following morning;

·        Sunday 12:30pm to 2.00am the following morning; and

·        Subject to the condition that the applicant meets with Stranmillis Residents’ Association. The Committee delegated authority to officers to finalise the wording of the condition.