A popular Inverness bar has been granted permission to stay open later despite some concern from neighbours about early hours noise.
Members of the Highland Council licensing board agreed to let the Corriegarth Hotel’s license holder, Punch Partnership Ltd, extend its opening hours until 1am every night of the week after the manager pledged to work with residents to ensure there is no disturbance.
The application attracted six letters of objection alluding to the impact of noise nuisance from entertainment inside the premises and from people walking home, potential damage to property and parking problems.
The Heathmount Road premises was recently transferred to a new tenant, Rory Munro, who is also responsible for the Gellions and Macallums bars in Inverness city centre.
Currently the Corriegarth is open to midnight on Sunday and Monday, 12.30am on Saturday and to 1am from Tuesday to Friday.
Mr Munro’s solicitor Lorna Murray told the board yesterday: “Mr Munro will be happy to help and if any issues are identified then it will be addressed by the repositioning of speakers in the premises to alleviate any noise. He is also happy to pass on his mobile phone number to residents and to discuss any issues with them.
“I live in the city and I am disturbed by people going home from the city centre at night and it is part and parcel of city living.”
After the meeting, objector Ken Phillip of nearby 1 Southside Place, said: “Mr Munro obviously seems to be willing to work with the people and that’s the most important thing. There is no point in arguing over the policy terms. Hopefully it will run smoothly and if there are any problems then we will be able to discuss these with him.”
As part of the license variation, children will be excluded from the bar area after 10pm unless having a meal, a private function or for viewing entertainment.
Conferences will also be allowed inside the hotel during and outwith core hours and off sale alcohol sales will be permitted from 11am-10pm daily.