A new basement bar is planned for a building in York city centre.
The bar would be underneath the York Riverside Apartments on the corner of Clifford Street and Lower Friargate.
Principally for the use of the residents staying at the apartments, the public could use the bar but only by pre-booking a visit.
An application for an alcohol licence has been submitted by Joe Moore, a businessman who has run a number of York restaurants and who created the holiday apartments.
It would allow the premises to serve alcohol from 10am to 1.30am every day.
A report to City of York Council says: “The premises is described in the application as a basement lounge/social bar predominantly used by holiday guests that have booked into the upper floor apartments.
“The basement will be open to non-patrons prior to booking in advance.
“Live lounge style entertainments will be provided on certain evenings with pool table and darts. The lounge will be available for guests from when guests check in.”
The report adds that “the applicant has agreed to remove indoor sports, boxing or wresting and performance of dance from the application”.
North Yorkshire Police have withdrawn any objections to the application after working with Mr Moore to agree a series of conditions including monitoring the bar via CCTV, documented staff training, and non-patrons having to book with a minimum of three hours’ advance notice.
However, the Riding Lights Theatre Company, which operate the Friargate Theatre next door to the apartments, has objected.
They write: “Due to the proximity of the late night venue with live entertainment being so close to our theatre premises we have concerns over noise issues having a negative impact on our venue, and performances within our theatre.
“Any excessive noise will be heard within the theatre space and would have a significant impact on the business.
“As a residential area there are concerns of another late night venue.
“We also raise concerns over the security of the area which we already deal with regular anti-social behaviour including public urination on our building.”
However the application says the building is adequately soundproofed.
“The premises is located in the basement with adequate sound proofing installed due to sleeping accommodation of holiday guests above.
“There are no open windows from the basement. Any non-patron can ask management to call for a taxi or be directed to the nearest taxi rank.
“Signs will be positioned asking patrons to leave the premises quietly.”
There has been one other objection, by a resident on Kings Staith, concerned it would add to the “public nuisance” caused by late-night drinkers.
“The frequent nocturnal presence of a police van in Upper Friargate, right opposite the night club which is next door to the proposed licensed premises, is testament to crime and disorder in the area,” they write.
The application will be considered at a City of York Council licensing hearing on Monday, 13 May.