"The noise and music noise last summer was simply unbearable": Northampton rooftop bar receives objections over extended alcohol licence plans

An application to allow the sale of alcohol for consumption on the roof terrace of a bar in Northampton has received several objections.

The application for Jimmy's Sports Bar in Harlestone Road seeks to vary the premises licence by licensing for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises on the roof terrace area.

The Northampton area Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council will consider the application at a meeting on Thursday (April 29).

A report to the committee states the variation proposal is to the licence for sale of alcohol for consumption (on the premises) at roof terrace bar Monday-Thursday 11.00-23.00, Friday 11.00-01.00, Saturday 10.00-01.00 and Sunday 10.00-22.30.

The report states: 'It is pertinent to mention at this stage, due to the nature of the objections received, that by licensing the roof terrace bar for the sale of alcohol, some deregulation of the Licensing Act 2003 would allow for live and recorded music to be played on the roof terrace bar during any of the times the bar was open for the sale of alcohol.

'However, this deregulation is restricted to between the hours of 08.00hrs -23.00hrs and for audiences of less than 500. This is clearly relevant to the licensing objective of The Prevention of Public Nuisance which all objections received relate to.

'Although they haven’t made a formal representation, environmental health have tried to mitigate this by seeking agreement with the applicant not to play music on the roof terrace and have his agreement to the following conditions being applied to the varied premises licence if granted:

'The roof terrace can only be used exclusively for the consumption of alcohol and smoking..

'No regulated entertainment (e.g. playing of live/ amplified or recorded music) is permitted on the roof terrace at any time.

'No loudspeakers are permitted to be used or located outside on the roof terrace.

'Notices shall be prominently displayed at any area used for smoking requesting patrons to respect the needs of local residents and use the area quietly.

'A direct telephone number for the manager/ designated premises supervisor at the premises shall be publicly available at all times the premises is open. This telephone number is to be made available to residents and businesses in the vicinity.'

The report states: 'It is also relevant to mention that West Northants Planning Department are currently dealing with planning applications relating the roof terrace at Jimmy’s Sports Bar as the structure and its times and terms of use are not yet formally agreed under planning regulation. The Planning Department have not, however, made formal representation to the licensing application.'

There were six representations received by the council objecting to the application which raised concerns about potential noise and disruption.

This included the manager/director of HRS Care Limited who wrote: 'I own a care home for vulnerable adults with learning disabilities in Althorp Road. The noise and music noise coming from the roof-top terrace last summer was simply unbearable.

'None of the residents could sleep during the weekend nights.'

Last month a spokesman for Jimmy's said: "The main reason we are applying for this is so that the rooftop can stay open as the same hours as the main building as we do not want people loitering around the neighbouring streets as it would be less of a nuisance to keep it within our building.

"We are trying to work with the community to bring business to the area, creating jobs and maintaining a good relationship with the local area."

Take a look around a cool new rooftop bar complete with extensive views of Northampton