A POPULAR Ryde nightspot has won permission to open late on Saturday nights, just months after its hours were pegged back by licensing chiefs following complaints about alcohol-related violence and disorder.
Liquid Lounge, in Union Street, has been granted nine Temporary Event Notices (TENs) by the Isle of Wight Council’s regulatory committee, enabling it to remain open until 2am every Sunday morning until April 21.
The same committee agreed last August to reduce its opening hours from 2am to 1am after police called for a review of its licence, citing high levels of anti-social behaviour and disorder caused by drunk customers.
Following an appeal by police, the committee ruled last Friday that additional licensing conditions imposed last August — including limiting the number of patrons to 175, restricting the number of people allowed in the smoking area to 20 and ensuring three door supervisors were present after 10pm — should also apply to the TENs.
Police licensing sergeant Mark Voller said police did not object to the TENs outright but were 'cautiously supportive’ as long as the appropriate conditions were in place to prevent disorder and public nuisance.
He said after the hearing: "Since the hours were restricted, there has been considerable improvement.
"They are keen to demonstrate they can operate without trouble and we are happy to work in partnership to help them to do that," he said.
"If high standards are not upheld, we will have a conversation with the licence holders, because we do not want incidents of disorder.
"If, in time, they submit an application to extend their hours, we would consider that on its own merits."
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk