The Stone Roses Bar in York has been closed for the last ten days – and now it seems it may soon shut for good.
That’s the message from the team behind the King Street pub – and their petition to keep it open has already attracted more than 5,700 signatures.
The bar has applied for a new licence – but police have objected to the plans, saying they were called out to the venue 51 times last year.
It has applied for a licence to play live music, sell alcohol and open from 11am to 2.30am seven days a week, after the premises’ previous licence lapsed.
The application will be considered by members of the licensing committee at a hearing on Thursday February 7 at 10am at West Offices.
Anti-social behaviour
In a statement prepared for the council’s licensing committee, North Yorkshire Police said there were incidents at the bar last year including violence, anti-social behaviour and thefts.
The statement said:
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Two meetings have taken place with the police and management within the last six months to discuss the concerns and ascertain what measures the venue are taking to promote the licensing objectives, and address the increase, with the most recent meeting on December 12 2018.
As such the applicants are aware of the concerns from the police.
City of York Council’s licensing authority and public protection teams also objected to the plans, saying “We have been unable to agree conditions that will safeguard against noise and anti social behaviour and will therefore be making representations against the premises license grant.”
The bar closed earlier this month, with signs next to the door declaring: “Due to unforeseen circumstances we will be closed until Feb.
“We’ll keep you updated through social media. Sorry. We’re aiming to be open as fast as we can.”
Then on Tuesday (January 29) a Facebook post appeared on the Stone Roses page saying that there was “a dark cloud looming over us”.
‘Unimaginable’ thought
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IF we re-open again, next week, there may be a few changes that may have to take place, for example, earlier closure on student nights etc.
However, there is also a worst case scenario. The possibility of closure. For good. We don’t want that. You don’t want that.
We need you all to show your love and support.
It urges people to share and sign the petition, adding: “The thought of that last case scenario is unimaginable.”
The petition is titled Say NO to the possible closure of THE STONE ROSES BAR YORK.
It says: “We honestly need all our locals, customers, friends, families, members of the community, visitors and supporters to do everything possible to help keep our 14 year legacy up and running, and trading furthermore.”
YorkMix spoke briefly to Ricky Bray, who was the licensee at the Stone Roses Bar.
He told us: “I can’t say anything till after next Friday.”
Support floods in
The potential threat to its existence has brought a flood of support. Here are a few of the comments on social media and the petition page.