A bid to open a “stunning” new pub in the heart of Newcastle has been rejected.
Councillors have thrown out plans to redevelop an abandoned building in Clayton Street, amid police fears that the venue could cause a spike in crime. Amber Taverns had hoped to open the John Clayton, described as a “stunning venue” and a “stylish addition” to the city centre, at the corner of Clayton Street and Newgate Street.
But the proposal has been denied a licence from Newcastle City Council after a hearing last month. The local authority’s licensing sub-committee concluded that it was “not satisfied on the evidence provided that the applicant had demonstrated that there were exceptional circumstances to justify the grant of the licence”.
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Northumbria Police sergeant Julie Cottiss had told the committee last month that allowing the pub to open would “only lead to an increase in the availability of alcohol and revellers” in a part of the city that is already extremely busy, on the main route between the Bigg Market and The Gate. She said: “The area is a hub of vertical drinking establishments and nearby takeaways.
"These premises attract a high number of intoxicated patrons who loiter in the early hours, generating late night noise as they purchase food and wait for taxis. The area becomes saturated with intoxicated patrons and can become a flashpoint for violence and disorder.”
Amber Taverns had described the pub as a new "social hub" for the city centre with "community values", while warning that a failure to approve the licence would risk leaving the building empty. Their solicitor Andy Grimsey admitted that the company was “swimming against the tide here, we were aware we were going to face some stiff opposition”.
He added: "The property has been empty for at least five years. There have been 47 enquiries about taking it on in that time, only eight in respect of retail. The others have been leisure, including amusement arcades and hot food takeaways. This premises has been empty for five years and there is a risk it will stay empty for another five years."
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