Bethesda bar and micro brewery granted new licence subject to noise controls

A Bethesda bar and micro brewery has been granted an updated premises licence subject to noise controls.

Gwynedd Council’s central licensing sub-committee approved the application for Cwrw Ty Mo at Rhes Ogwen, on the town’s High Street, at a meeting held on Wednesday.

Applicant Morgan Vallely requested permission to sell alcohol on and off the premises until midnight, seven days a week, and to hold indoor and outdoor entertainment until 11pm every day.

Mr Vallely said his intention was to operate the venue as a brewery and bar, for which a premises licence already exists.

However, he requested the right to hold licensable activities later than allowed by the current licence.

No objections were received from North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service or the local councillor.

However, some other representations were submitted which meant the matter was brought to the hearing for a decision.

The council’s public protection service said in an email that sufficient measures would need to be taken to prevent a public nuisance.

Whilst raising no objections to the application, concerns were highlighted about the proposed additional late hours for licensable activities, such as entertainment.

Officers said this was due to flats being located above and either side of the brewery and pub, with the effectiveness of soundproofing being called into question.

Specific noise conditions were recommended, in addition to those proposed by the applicant.

Mr Vallely had already pledged to take steps to soundproof the structure from noise, manage noise level and hold licensable activities at reasonable times to avoid nuisance.

Other recommendations by the applicant included staff training, a comprehensive age verification process and background checks on staff working at the licensed premises.

The suggested measures also included ensuring that the number of customers was “managed to ensure acceptable behaviour”.

The application said: “Written confirmation was received from the applicant noting that he accepted the proposed conditions, and it was stated that there was no intention to hold live entertainment evenings more than once a month, with live music finishing at 10pm.”

In a statement released after the hearing, Gwynedd Council said: “In accordance with the Licensing Act 2003, it was resolved to approve the application, subject to including additional noise control conditions recommended by the public protection officer in accordance with what was agreed with the applicant.”

By Dale Spridgeon – Local Democracy Reporter