Licence granted for new craft beer and coffee house in 'up and coming' area of Harrogate

Robert Thompson, who runs seven bars in the Harrogate district, has been given permission to open The Waiting Room at the former Greenalls Carpets building at 34 High Street.

Mr Thompson was granted the licence today at a meeting of Harrogate Borough Council's sub-licensing committee during which he described Starbeck as an "up and coming" area lacking "quality, modern hospitality venues".

"The plan is to offer premium, local craft beers at a high retail price," he said, "not the mainstream pile it high, sell it cheap style of other venues in the area."

North Yorkshire Police had objected to the licence application with concerns over street-drinking and anti-social behaviour which the force said was already a problem in the area.

Officers also said the proposed opening times should be reduced, which were later agreed as 7am to 11.30pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 11.30pm on Sundays, with alcohol served every day between 11am and 11pm.

PC Jackie Allen said: "The plan and operating schedule all indicated that the business would operate as a wet-led venue - there was no reference to food at all. It was only after North Yorkshire Police had submitted a representation did Mr Thompson provide additional documentation."

She added: "Starbeck is an area of Harrogate and like most towns suffers from street drinking and ASB, increasing the risk of crime and disorder.

"North Yorkshire Police believe that the provision of a second public house at this location, wet sales only, with the hours suggested, would likely increase the level of anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder and public nuisance being experienced at this location."

Harrogate 'must remain accessible by car' says Harrogate BID leader

The force also demanded that the venue must employ two door supervisors during evenings on Friday and Saturdays, as well as bank holiday Sundays.

This was agreed by councillors despite Mr Thompson arguing it would not be necessary because of the "type of customers" he said the venue would attract. He said the venue would have a "safe, self-policing environment that will meet the needs of licensing objectives without the need for door staff."

Mr Thompson owns the SO! bars in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon, the Devonshire Tap House in Harrogate, Tap On Tower Street in Harrogate, The Groves in Knaresborough and The Hart in Knaresborough, employing 75 staff.

He said up to £100,000 would be spent on renovating The Waiting Room, adding: "We as a company see Starbeck as an up and coming area that lacks high quality, modern hospitality venues and we want to change that.

"We plan to open a high-end craft beer and coffee house offering a premium cafe bar style. The food will be an important part of this being offered from early morning until late and will form a considerable part of the look and feel of the place."

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter