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29
Aug
Harrogate’s La Feria applies to vary premises licence
La Feria has applied for permission for customers to be able to eat and drink outside until 11pm throughout the year.
The Spanish bar and restaurant is currently allowed to use the external areas of its premises on Harrogate’s Cold Bath Road from 11am to 11pm from Monday to Saturday from April to September.
It has applied to North Yorkshire Council to amend its licence so customers can use the external areas from 11am to 11pm from Monday to Saturday for the whole year.
Director Jez Verity said in documents to the council that last year’s variation to its licence, which entitles it to serve customers outside in summer, had been successful and it now wants to extend this.
He said additional CCTV cameras have been installed to the entrance, outdoor lighting has been upgraded and he pledged to turn off all music at 9pm.
Gemma Demaline, an environmental health officer at the council, said “this site does have noise sensitive residential properties in close proximity” but there had been no complaints about the terrace area being used after 9pm during summer.
Ms Demaline said:
As the external areas have been used during the more sensitive months up to a later time with no complaints received by this department, it could be assumed extending the time during the less sensitive months will not have an impact either.
But she added because there was potential for disturbance, she recommended a clause be added saying customers shall only use the external areas of the premises for eating and/or drinking from 11am to 11pm on Monday to Saturday. La Feria has agreed to this request.
One objection
The application has received one objection from nearby resident Chris Hird, who said his young family’s “sleep and wellbeing would be directly affected by this variation”.
Mr Hird said the current winter restriction on terrace use was “a necessary and reasonable control that helps protect nearby residents from noise nuisance”. He added: “I kindly urge the licensing authority to refuse this application in order to protect the quality of life for residents and uphold the licensing objectives.”
Mr Verity replied to the objection by saying La Feria respected neighbours and would “continue to be vigilant and respectful of potential noise issues”. Mr Hird said he appreciated the reply but maintained his objection.
The council’s statutory licensing committee is due to decide on September 9 whether to grant the application.
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