Extended hours at Rushall pub approved despite neighbours’ complaints

The Boathouse on Park Road can now open and sell alcohol from 9am, seven days a week, and serve alcohol until 1am on Fridays, Saturdays and bank holidays.

Walsall Council’s licensing and safety committee met on Wednesday (July 23) to decide on the application after objections were received by neighbours and Councillor Lorna Rattigan.

The complaints centered around the changes to closing times rather than the earlier opening hours.

Residents said the later closing time would exacerbate existing noise problems and nuisance, claiming drinkers "frequently shout and fight in the car park".

It was heard in the meeting that no complaints had been received in relation to the pub prior to the extended hours application.

As well as serving alcohol until 1am and closing at 1.30am, the original application included live and recorded music until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

But following feedback from residents, Star Pubs and Bars Ltd withdrew the live and recorded music aspect of the application.

It also offered to close windows and doors and close off the outside area, except for smokers, at 10.45pm.

At the meeting Councillor Rattigan said the mitigation measures were welcomed and asked if a sound-limiting device could be installed on the sound systems.

It was also heard that the designated premises supervisor, Danny Barnaby, was a local man whose family had close ties with the pub.

Mr Barnaby said the reason for the extended hours was to allow a more gradual dispersal of customers, rather than everyone leaving at the same, earlier, time.

Committee members decided to approve the application.

Legal advisor for the council, Paul Green, said: “No objections have been received from responsible authorities.

“Several objections have been received from residents, which have been expanded on by Councillor Rattigan this morning.

“The committee notes that the applicant has been sensitive and responsive to the concerns of the residents and has modified its application as a consequence of that.

“The committee is satisfied that the applicant is a responsible licence holder, and feels by granting the modified application there will be no adverse effects for residents.

“Should there be any subsequent grounds for concerns that arise, the usual statutory process for review would be enacted.

“The committee welcomes the applicant’s willingness to provide contact details to residents to facilitate prompt contact in the hope that any concerns can be quickly identified and resolved.”