Residents lose fight to stop The Victoria pub in Newcastle staying open later

RESIDENTS have lost their fight to stop a pub from extending its opening hours.

But The Victoria, on King Street, Newcastle, can only stay open for an extra 30 minutes after families raised concerns over the potential for noise disturbance in the neighbourhood.

Licensee David Griffin, below, wanted to open the newly refurbished venue from 10am until 12.30am everyday.

However concerned families submitted a 50 signature-strong petition opposing the scheme after claiming past problems at the pub have effected their quality of life.

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The previous licence allowed the venue, which reopened at the weekend after standing empty for a number of years, to open between 11am and 11pm Monday to Saturday, and noon to 10.30pm on Sunday.

Yesterday members of Newcastle Borough Council's licensing sub-committee granted an extension allowing the venue to serve alcohol from 10am until 11.30pm, seven-days-a-week. The pub, which was bought by Shropshire based company Caldmore Taverns, must close at midnight.

It has also been given permission to stage live music until 11.30pm.

The licensing hearing was attended by both residents and Mr Griffin.

Claire Howard, of Gower Street, said: "My concerns are that taxis turn up and are sounding their horns late at night.

"After 11pm it should be quiet in the area. I have a disabled son and a pregnant daughter and am just thinking of my children.

"I know there is a smoking area at the back but people still stand outside the pub at the front."

Sue Wiles, of King Street, added: "When people stand outside the conversations are loud and if they are intoxicated there is swearing."

Councillors said the pub could only host duos and solo performers to entertain customers. They also requested a smoking box was removed from the front of the premises.

The pub will also have a final admission policy of 11pm.

Licensee David Griffin told the committee the pub had set up a link with a taxi firm and had asked drivers not to sound their horns.

He said: "Over the past few weeks I have knocked on doors and spoken to people about their concerns."

Brian Wain, of Trent Licensing, who represented the pub, said: "We want to work with resents and local businesses not to have conflict with them." Speaking after the meeting both parties agreed that councillors had made a 'middle of the road decision'.

Mr Griffin added: "The residents haven't got what they wanted and neither have we". Mr Wain said it was too early to comment on whether the pub would appeal against the borough council decision.