A pub in the centre of Brighton has withdrawn its application to be allowed to stay open for an hour later every day.
The Mesmerist, in Prince Albert Street, Brighton, wanted a licence variation to be able serve drinks for an extra hour, to play live and recorded music and to host similar entertainment.
Sussex Police and Brighton and Hove City Council’s licensing and environmental health teams objected to the proposed later cut-off time of 2am from Monday to Friday and 3am on Saturdays and Sundays.
The pub also wanted to extend the hours of its late-night refreshment licence, allowing the sale of food and hot and cold non-alcoholic drinks until 2.30am from Monday to Friday and 3.30am on Saturdays and Sundays.
The pub also applied to be able to open at non-standard times to allow it to show major sporting events such as those involving England men’s or women’s teams.
A senior council licensing official, Sarah Cornell, said that the business already had later hours than would usually be permitted for a pub in the centre of Brighton, with its current 1am licence on weekdays and 2am at weekends.
Sussex Police said that the one-hour extension would have meant that people were leaving the pub at the busiest time for the force in the centre of Brighton.
The environmental protection team objected to the later hours, citing “persistent” complaints from neighbours about loud music and noisy people.
A council licensing panel, made up of three councillors, was due to hold a hearing next Wednesday (6 May) to decide the application but this has now been cancelled.
The Mesmerist and the company that owns the pub, the Laine Pub and Brewery Group, was approached for comment.
