Herefordshire Pub’s Extended Hours Proposal Draws Resident Concern

Local residents in the vicinity of a Herefordshire public house have communicated their apprehension regarding plans to prolong its operational hours into the early morning. The proposed modifications would permit The Swan Hotel, situated on Church Street in Kington, to remain open until 01:00 seven days a week. Herefordshire Council has not yet rendered a decision on the matter. A total of six objections were lodged by individuals residing in close proximity, who articulated that the proposed alterations might lead to an increase in noise levels and anti-social conduct. The establishment stated that these changes would facilitate the development of a consistent entertainment schedule for its existing clientele. Presently, the venue is authorized to host live music, dance, or other forms of entertainment until 23:30 from Monday to Saturday, and until 22:30 on Sundays. Alcohol service is currently permitted until 23:30 from Monday to Thursday, 00:30 on Fridays and Saturdays, and 22:30 on Sundays. Under the proposed amendments, live and recorded music, dance, and comparable entertainment would be permitted until 01:00 daily. The provision of alcohol for both on-site and off-site consumption would also extend until this hour, every day of the week. The pub indicated that measures would be implemented to mitigate disturbance to neighbouring properties. These include placing signage requesting patrons to depart quietly and actively monitoring music volume. During indoor entertainment, doors and windows would be closed from 22:30, and any outdoor entertainment would conclude by this hour. The exterior area would be inaccessible from 23:00, with the sole exception of individuals wishing to smoke or vape. One resident commented, stating, “With two pubs opposite each other the local residents have to put up with extra traffic and ‘jolly’ people making a lot of noise as they make their way home or to their cars.” This individual further added, “If the licence were to extend later, we would have to endure it for longer periods for each music night and perhaps intensified noise and traffic.” Another resident expressed that prolonging the opening hours would pose a risk of sleep disruption. They remarked, “Extending music till 1am 7 days a week is tantamount to allowing a disco in a residential area and the outdoor request is ludicrous.” A different resident indicated an understanding for extending operational hours on Friday and Saturday evenings, but conveyed being “deeply concerned” by the prospect of the pub remaining open so late every day. In August 2023, the Licensing Authority issued correspondence to the establishment subsequent to a license infringement, which occurred after individuals were observed dancing within the pub and amplified music was audible externally.