A bar company facing fierce opposition to its plans for York has dropped a court fight, leaving question marks over its future in the city.
Cuban-themed bar and restaurant chain Revolucion de Cuba was bidding to open a new venue in part of the old York BHS shop on New Street. But court documents now show it has withdrawn from the fight, and the company has not commented on its future plans in York.
The firm was granted planning permission for the venue, but its application for an alcohol licence was fiercely opposed by city police. In February a panel of three councillors refused to grant a licence for New Street.
Court documents showed Revolucion de Cuba began to fight that decision in court, and hearings had been scheduled for September, but now it has emerged the company has withdrawn that appeal giving no reasons.
At February’s hearing, police argued the planned York venue would become another centre for heavy drinking in the city
Police feared ‘smokescreen’
At February’s hearing police also accused accused the bar chain of using the restaurant part of its application as a “smokescreen” for its real business as a high-volume drinking spot.
Bar bosses argued the chain’s style – with Latin music, food and a longer “dwell time” than other venues – and higher prices would rule out heavy drinking stag and hen groups.
They also offered earlier closing hours, conditions about door staff and emergency exits, and promised not to run “happy hour” promotions, but still could not persuade city councillors they should be allowed to open in York.
No new licences
Since the appeal was withdrawn, council staff have confirmed that no new licensing applications have been made for New Street, nor have any new planning applications been submitted which would show another company eyeing the site.
The BHS building has been empty since 2016 when the chain folded. The following summer, landlords Lloyds Bank SF Nominees divided it into three smaller units and Revolucion de Cuba made its first application for the New Street portion.