A Listers At Aurora, on Ipswich waterfront, had its licence changed after ‘unbearable’ noise and crime concerns
A bar on the Ipswich waterfront had its licence changed after fears over ‘unbearable’ noise and crime were raised.
Members of Ipswich’s licensing and regulatory sub-committee met earlier today to discuss the future of A Listers At Aurora, in Helena Road.
The bar’s licence was up for review after longtime resident, Sarah Orr, raised concerns over noise and public nuisance.
During the meeting, she said: “The last 18 months, with the loud music playing during the summer months, have become quite unbearable as a resident.
“During the hot summer months, you can’t have your windows open and a lot of residents can’t sit outside and enjoy their own home.”
Ms Orr was joined by another resident, Alan Mison, and shared their concerns about the behaviour of some of the bar’s customers.
Ms Orr said: “As a resident, and on behalf of other residents, we should be afforded the respect we deserve from the licence holders and from the customers.”
”It isn’t just about the music, it is about the general disrespect to residents,” added Mr Mison.
Although not present during the meeting, Suffolk Constabulary’s licensing officer, Ms Sharon Betts-Palmer, also submitted a representation in which she stated the police had been called six times since the property was rented out to Mr Andrew Lister last year by the licence holder, Mr Callum Hewitt — Mr Lister is no longer in this position with Ms Jessica Lucas now managing the premises.
One of these was on August 18 when, after an Ipswich Town game, two men began fighting inside the premises which then continued outside and led to one male being glassed in the face, causing serious injuries.
The force stated Mr Lister was present but was not very co-operative with police and CCTV could not be retrieved as no one knew how to use the new system while Mr Hewitt was on holiday.
Despite this, Mr Joe Harvey, the solicitor on behalf of Mr Hewitt, said it was ‘entirely wrong’ to suggest the venue had a problem with crime and disorder.
Addressing the noise concerns, he stressed the owners worked very hard to be good neighbours and challenged the concerns the venue had become more of a sports bar.
He said: “This venue is effectively what it has always been, and that is a high-end bar and restaurant with entertainment.
“It is difficult for us to hear the accusations levied at us that we are being a nuisance to our neighbours — the place has been there for 12 years and it’s the first time we’ve faced anything of the nature.”
Although stopping short of calling the complaints ‘invented or malicious’, Mr Harvey stated these were not substantiated but suggested mitigation measures could be put in place as a compromise.
He added: “Whilst we don’t agree or accept the extent the nature of the accusations, we respect that things can always be done better and be improved in a meaningful way.”
After some deliberation, councillors decided to change the licence to include some of the suggestions made by Mr Harvey.
These include not having any regulated entertainment in outside parts of the premises, noise from recorded or live music not exceeding the recommendations made by the environmental officer, and keeping external windows and doors closed during the performance of regulated entertainment except when entering or leaving.
Councillors also agreed to introduce the constabulary’s recommendations in full despite Mr Harvey asking for a compromise.
These include having at least two door staff at the premises from 9pm until 30 minutes after closure on Friday, Saturday, and Bank Holidays and during Ipswich Town matchdays at home or away if televised.
Polycarbonate or bio-degradable drinking glasses and non-glass bottles must be used in the outside area after 8pm as well as inside when requested by the police.