Plans have been revealed for a new bowling alley on one of Cardiff's main streets. An application has been made by Roxy Leisure Ltd to Cardiff Council for a premises licence to sell alcohol at Queens West, Queen Street. If approved, the licence would also allow Roxy Lanes, described as a bowling alley with additional gaming and bar facilities, to host other forms of entertainment like the playing of live and recorded music.
The proposed opening hours for the bowling alley, which would be located on the first floor of Queens West, above Superdrug, are 10am to 1.30am from Sunday to Wednesday and 10am to 3.30am from Thursday to Saturday. Local councillors have expressed concern over the prospect of a licensed premises setting up on Queen Street.
Cardiff Council ward member for Cathays, Councillor Norma Mackie, said the city is "at risk of losing many visitors and shoppers" if it continues to allow more shops to become licensed premises. Writing on behalf of fellow ward members, Cllr Sarah Merry and Cllr Chris Weaver, Cllr Mackie said: "Shoppers are likely to be exposed to more intoxicated people with the anti-social behaviour that brings, putting off more people and especially families from coming to Queen Street and creating more work for the police and other services.
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"Cardiff now has sufficient licensed activity outlets, with a number of new venues being allowed to open over the last two years, this should stop and time should be given to try and encourage more shopping outlets to take over premises that are closing. We do not want to create another St Mary Street, with all the antisocial behaviour it brings..."
Roxy Lanes already operates in a number of major cities across the UK, including Edinburgh, Leeds and Bristol. In an information pack attached to Roxy Leisure's licensing application, the entertainments company said: "75% of our custom is pre booked in advance allowing us to vet our customers rather than just being a circuit drinking stop off.
They added that as their main focus is gaming there is "very little ‘vertical drinking’ with all emphasis being put on competitive socialising. Our business is to sell gaming hours." They also claim to have an "impeccable" health and safety record. Cardiff Council's licensing committee will meet to make a decision on the application tomorrow at 10am.
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