The bid by an LGBTQ+ venue in York’s bid to open late at night is being opposed by the council.
Little Jay Ltd wants a late-night licence for Little J’s, which it runs from Chapel House on North Street.
The licence application describes Little J’s as “run by, and supported by, the local LGBTQI+ community to provide a dedicated safe space for the community to come together through music, arts and performance”.
It wants to open until 4am daily, and have a licence to serve alcohol, show films and host live music until 3am Sunday to Wednesday and 4am Thursday to Saturday.
A petition of more than 1,600 people backs the bid. Seven letters of support were also sent in to the council.
Among those supporting Little J’s was the York LGBT Forum. It says: “We are confident that not only Little J will adhere to licensing requirements but will also make a positive contribution to the local community, fostering diversity, acceptance and a vibrant social culture.”
The Family Shambles, an entertainment group focused on highlighting and uplifting marginalised LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities, also offered support.
They said: “As we are heavily drag focused and visibly LGBTQIA+, it has often been a mix of good and bad experiences with venues around the city. None of which has lead to consistent, supportive and inclusive continued events.
“The worst of which includes instances of abuse, both verba! and physical, from the general public and a continued struggle to have venues and managers understand the needs and concerns of creating a safe community space.”
Little J’s is in a cumulative impact zone, where the number of licensed premises can adversely affect residents.
Both North Yorkshire Police and City of York Council licensing were concerned that it opening later would add to the negative impact of the zone.
In a report to next Thursday’s licensing hearing, the police say: “The police cannot support in its applied for terms, this licence which would permit an additional licensed premises operating as a late night bar for sale of alcohol and regulated entertainment Sun-Wed until 0300 and Thurs-Sat until 0400hrs in an area already experiencing crime and disorder.”
It urges councillors to reduce the operating hours and impose “robust conditions” to mitigate the risk of more crime.
The council licensing officer writes: “Even though the applicant has stated within the application that this premises is to be a community events venue, I would ask members to take into consideration that there is nothing within the proposed operating schedule to prevent this premises from operating as a bar and live music venue seven days a week until 3am or 4am.”
She adds: “The licensing authority cannot support this application as it is within the CIA and does not demonstrate through a robust operating schedule how it will not further undermine the licensing objectives.”
The licensing committee will decide the application on Thursday 13 November at 10am.
