Bar banned from playing loud or live music after years of complaints from neighbours

Bournemouth council’s licensing board made the decision to indefinitely suspend the music licence at Hadrian’s Café Grill on Thursday after hearing evidence from Dorset Police, residents and neighbouring businesses.

The bar has also had its closing time cut back from 3am to 1.30am, and it must cease alcohol sales at 1am. Its owner Aykut Akturk had his role as ‘designated premises supervisor’ removed.

Chairman Andrew Morgan said the board had considered revoking the licence entirely, although officers only sought to have it temporarily suspended so soundproofing measures could be carried out.

He told Mr Akturk: “We are giving you an opportunity to continue with your business, but to run it responsibly so it is not detrimental to the local community.

“You were very close to being shut down this morning. This is your chance to sort out your business once and for all.”

The board heard excessive noise from the bar had first been brought to the attention of council environmental health officers in 2012, and several other complaints were received over the next few years.

Other issues reported have been patrons taking glasses outside the bar in the early hours and drinking in the street.

Since September 2016 there has been an increase in the number of complaints, however both environmental health and Dorset Police said Mr Akturk had failed to take any steps to rectify the situation.

There was an awkward moment at the meeting where board member Cllr Mark Battistini asked Mr Akturk to list the four licensing objectives and he was unable to do so.

Cllr Morgan said: “It is very disappointing to see an almost casual disregard for your neighbours and a lack of knowledge of the licensing objectives.

“It is beyond disappointing that you are not familiar with this.”

Environmental health officers are investigating several bars in the Charminster area. In February a venue a few doors up from Hadrian’s, Saxo bar and restaurant, saw its license suspended under similar circumstances.

The new conditions allow the playing of background music.

Hadrian’s will be able to operate under its previous licence for 21 days after the decision. Should an appeal be launched it can continue playing loud music until it is resolved.