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11
Jun
Harrogate performing arts centre applies for alcohol licence
A performing arts studio in Harrogate has applied for a licence to sell alcohol.
Kelly Nevett, director of Northern Performance Academy, has applied to North Yorkshire Council to sell alcohol from noon until 10pm from Monday to Saturday.
The academy, based in a residential area at Jubilee Works on Anchor Road, attracts over 300 students each week for arts training. Its application will be determined by the council’s statutory licensing committee on Tuesday next week (June 17).
Wan Malachi, senior licensing enforcement officer at the council, said in a report ahead of the meeting:
The use of the premises is described as a site for arts education and includes various theatre spaces, studios and classrooms for teaching of all ages. There is to be a café-bar to compliment the facilities.
The application attracted 12 responses, with many citing concerns about noise and antisocial behaviour, as well questioning whether alcohol should be sold in a place frequented by children.
Councillor Chris Aldred, a Liberal Democrat whose High Harrogate and Kingsley division on North Yorkshire Council includes the site, said in his representation he had “never had so many residents email and phone me with their concerns on a single licensing application”. He added: “I simply think that alcohol should not be served in what is a children's leisure provider.”
Fellow Lib Dem Cllr Josie Caven, who represents Kingsley on Harrogate Town Council, said there had been “multiple complaints from residents regarding excessive noise during late hours and disorder”.
'Outstanding' Ofsted
Ms Nevett told the Stray Ferret many of the claims were based on misunderstandings and the scheme had the support of the police, fire services and environmental health.
Her replies to the complaints can be seen along with other documents relating to the application on the council website here.
She said it was the councillors' role to represent businesses as well as residents and questioned why neither had visited to raise concerns.
Ms Nevett added the studio was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted “for our robust safeguarding practices and curriculum”, taught adults as well as children and there was “absolutely no intention to serve children or anyone underage”. She said:
There are many schools and events that sell alcohol around children, for example as PTA fundraisers, or to support local community engagement at school fates, charity events, festivals and shows etc. A lot of the local secondary schools and community halls are also in possession of premises licenses to enable them to enhance their events and offerings. We simply wish to do the same thing as part of our café-bar area… we don’t feel it is right to judge the clientele as lager louts on a big night out.
Ms Nevett said the venue would serve drinks in plastic bottles, impose strict ID tests, train staff in conflict resolution and put up signs asking people to leave quietly. The proposed licensing hours would give “flexibility”, she added.
Speaking to the Stray Ferret today, Ms Nevett said contrary to some claims, she “obviously did not plan to open a nightclub for under-age children” but instead provide a similar set-up to that provided by many arts organisations, such as the Frazer Theatre in Knaresborough, by selling alcohol as and when required.
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