Pub from Phoenix Nights loses noise licence battle

Neighbours living close to the social club made famous in Peter Kay's comedy show Phoenix Nights have won a battle over an application for an extended music licence.

People living close to the Phoenix Club, also known as St Gregory's, in Farnworth, Greater Manchester, were impacted by late noise and anti-social behaviour, a licencing hearing at Bolton Town Hall heard.

The club applied for a licence variation to enable it to play amplified and live music until 01:00, to align with its alcohol licence, instead of its current limit of 23:45.

The panel rejected the application, with 13 objections being received by the council, including from their own licensing team.

The club hosts around 70 to 80 functions per year, mainly on Saturdays but sometimes on Fridays and bank holiday Sundays.

Complaints were also tabled about loud music from a Santa's Grotto operating in the car park.

The licensing panel heard audio and watched video evidence from neighbours about what they claim was late night noise at weekends.

Resident Danielle Bailey told the hearing: "All we want is for them to be respectful of the residents."

She added: "It's affecting my sleep, it's affecting my wellbeing and has been for years.

"I don't think it's acceptable – taxis outside at 01:30 beeping horns."

Garry Lee, from Bolton's licensing team, said the council had received a number of complaints from neighbours, and his report stated there was evidence music had been played at the premises after 23:45.

He added that the licence for the premises mentions "door staff for functions" but he believed no such staff were employed at the club.

Representing the club, John Wray, made reference to the club's fame from the television show and said that one of the stars of Phoenix Nights, Paddy McGuinness, had recently visited.

Mr Wray, said: "When the current management took over in 2012, the club was derelict, it had been closed down.

"Around £500,000 was invested to create the bar which caters for all the needs of the community, including a play area for children.

"It is very much a family-orientated business which has improved the area."

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