‘Intolerable’ noise scuppers art bar’s bid to extend opening hours

Art and Wine’s application to extend its opening hours to 12.30am Sunday to Thursday and 1.30am on weekends, and to host music and dance went before the district council licensing committee on Monday morning.

They had previously been served with an abatement notice after music and voices in the rear courtyard disturbed nearby residents, despite previously being told not to play music outside.

They also sought to reassure local residents and the panel that they were doing everything they could to alleviate the noise problems.

Art and Wine general manager David Gomez said: “We were totally unaware of any problems and had received no complaints until this application was put forward. I’m here to build bridges, not knock them down.

However, residents and environmental health officer Peter Lawson remained unconvinced that there were any measures that would stop the noise carrying due to the geography of the courtyard.

Church Street resident Christine Jones said: “The noise has become intense, it’s rather like a helicopter pad.

“I can’t think what will stop it other than putting them in a bubble.

“It has become a very popular, very noisy wine bar.

“We are all becoming extremely stressed. It has become totally intrusive, every weekend. It’s intolerable.”

One tearful resident said that she had not spent a weekend at her home since Christmas due to the noise.

The committee ruled that they were unable to grant the licence without it leading to a significant public nuisance.