A Ryde venue’s dreams of opening until the small hours have been shattered by the Isle of Wight Council after its licence committeee was told how one event made their windows and furniture shake.
Harbour House on Ryde Esplanade wanted to extend its opening times, supply of alcohol and playing of recorded music until 1.30am, seven days a week, but today (Thursday) has had its application rejected.
Threat of enforcement action
The venue had already received a formal written notice, with the threat of further enforcement action, after an event in July ’caused significant disturbance’ to local residents.
Measures were proposed to mitigate any impact of the extensions — which had been approved by Hampshire Constabulary — but did not help.
Customers ask why it closes earlier than other venues
Karl Harding, from Harbour House, told the council’s licensing sub-committee meeting customers often ask why it closes at 11pm compared to other establishments in the town, which stay open until 2am.
He said the licence extension would improve facilities for customers; helping grow the successful business in an area that needed it.
Bass levels higher than near IW Festival
However, environmental health officer, Daniel Power, told the committee about an event last year which saw bass levels at a nearby property at 1am recorded higher than those at the residential property nearest to the Isle of Wight Festival.
They were also higher than what would be deemed a significant disturbance at a concert.
Mr Power said the business was visited three times by council officers, each time reiterating what had previously been said, despite logs showing the levels had been adjusted.
Objections from residents
Residents objected to the application, saying on the night of the event, their children could not sleep and others tried to escape the noise.
One said it was like facing a 13-hour endurance test, while another said the extension would be okay if they could trust Harbour House to stick to the licence’s conditions.
Another said music on a regular basis would have a detrimental effect on their lives. They said,
“I appreciate the Island is a holiday Island, but it is not Ibiza, which is what I think Harbour House is trying to do.”
Admitted mistakes made
Mr Harding admitted mistakes had been made last year, but told the committee he would like to work with the authority to come up with a solution to create a venue that would become more popular, which would only be good for Ryde.
The application was rejected as the committee said it had been persuaded by the evidence that no conditions could be applied to mitigate the harm caused.
Right to appeal
Harbour House is able to appeal the decision to the IW Magistrates’ Court within 21 days should it wish to do so.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: Samuel M. Livingston under CC BY 2.0
