A bar located in Brighton’s downtown area has abandoned its request to remain accessible for an additional hour each day.
The establishment on Prince Albert Street sought a modification to its operating licence that would permit serving alcoholic beverages for one extra hour, along with performing and playing recorded music plus offering comparable forms of entertainment.
Law enforcement officers from Sussex and officials from Brighton and Hove City Council’s licensing and environmental health departments opposed the suggested extended closing time of 2am throughout the week and 3am on weekend days.
The venue also hoped to expand the terms of its late-night refreshment licence, enabling the provision of food and both hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages until 2:30am on weekdays and 3:30am on Saturdays and Sundays.
The establishment further requested permission to operate during non-traditional hours so it could broadcast significant sporting occasions featuring either England’s men’s or women’s national teams.
According to Sarah Cornell, a senior licensing official with the council, the business already operates beyond what is typically authorized for establishments in Brighton’s central district, presently holding a 1am licence for weekdays and 2am for weekend nights.
Representatives from Sussex Police indicated that the one-hour extension would result in patrons exiting the premises during the period when the force experiences its highest demand for resources in the central part of the city.
The environmental protection team contested the extended hours, pointing to ongoing grievances from nearby residents regarding amplified sound and disruptive patrons.
A three-member panel of councillors had been scheduled to conduct a hearing on May 6 to determine the outcome of this request, though this proceeding has since been called off.
The Mesmerist along with its parent company, Laine Pub and Brewery Group, were invited to provide a statement.