University's late-night alcohol bid approved
Anthony ParkesA university's bid to serve alcohol until midnight at a leisure centre has been approved.
Durham University said allowing alcohol to be sold between 11:00 and 00:00 from Monday to Saturday, and until 23:00 on Sunday, at the Graham Sports Centre at Maiden Castle would help secure the venue's future.
The application faced opposition from a man who said the plans would be out of keeping with the area's residential and rural character, could cause noise issues and would exacerbate parking and traffic congestion.
Durham County Council's licensing committee unanimously approved the application after members said they were satisfied with the university's proposed conditions.
The university said licensed events at Maiden Castle would remain occasional rather than becoming part of the site's day-to-day operation, with all events being planned, risk-assessed and appropriately supervised.
In a letter submitted to licensing officials, Mr J Tyrens argued later opening could disturb nearby residents and visitors to the surrounding greenbelt and woodland areas.
He said longer alcohol sales hours could also increase noise from customers leaving the venue and create challenges in managing sports teams and post-match drinking.
Senior operations manager at Durham University Ricky Cohen said the change would fall within the flexible framework of the Licensing Act and would not result in regular late-night activity.
He said the university respected the concerns raised by Tyrens, who did not attend the hearing, but insisted the changes would not have a major impact.
The primary use of the sports centre would not change, the hearing was told, and would be managed by a responsible operator with significant experience.
