Shrewsbury Council to Decide on Late-Night License for Rowley's Mansion Courtyard Cafe and Bar

Strategic Insights -

Shrewsbury Council's licensing committee is set to decide on a late-night license for an open-air courtyard cafe and bar in the town's historic center. The application comes from Albert's Shed, which runs a successful premises opposite the location, and would see the courtyard, outside the disused Rowley's Mansion, operate as an outdoor bar and cafe selling alcohol, food, and refreshments from 11am to 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. The proposal includes CCTV, security, and measures to restrict access to the site, but has raised concerns about noise nuisance, anti-social behavior, and crime in the residential area.

Key Takeaways:

  • The application proposes selling alcohol from 11am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday, and food and refreshments from 11pm to 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
  • Only customers waiting for food will be permitted to wait in the seating area past 11pm.
  • Decorative planting and fencing have been proposed to restrict access to the site.
  • A number of conditions have been agreed with police and environmental health, including CCTV, two members of security on Fridays and Saturdays, and no glassware from 11pm.
  • There have been five objections to the proposal, including one from Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents Association (STCRA), citing concerns about noise nuisance, anti-social behavior, and crime.
  • Shropshire Council has a social responsibility not to allow Rowley's Mansion Courtyard to be used in a way that prejudices public safety, according to STCRA.
  • Albert's Shed operations manager, David Gregg, said the business was excited about the opportunity to improve the area and create an outside space for customers.
  • The proposal includes the use of a mobile bar and a mobile food outlet, with seating for customers to use in the courtyard.

Statistics:

  • Five objections have been submitted to the proposal, including one from Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents Association (STCRA).
  • The proposal would see the courtyard open from 11am to 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, with customers only permitted to wait in the seating area past 11pm if they are waiting for food.
  • Two members of security are required on Fridays and Saturdays, and no glassware is to be used from 11pm.
  • Five conditional agreements have been made with police and environmental health, including CCTV and restrictions on glassware.

Sources:

  • Shropshire Star: "Shrewsbury council agrees terms with Albert's Shed for Rowley's Mansion courtyard bar" [July 2023]
  • Submission from Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents Association (STCRA)
  • Report prepared for Shropshire Council's licensing committee
  • Interview with David Gregg, operations manager of Albert's Shed