A Kingswood nightclub has been granted a later licence to serve alcohol until 3am at the second attempt despite accusations about “violent assaults and criminal damage” outside the venue. Rumors Lounge Bar and Pub in Regent Street had its previous application in April rejected by South Gloucestershire councillors after environmental health lodged an objection following complaints from neighbours about loud music.
But since then Wayne and Jean Houghton, who run the premises, have installed a new soundproof rear fire door and there have been no further complaints. Licensing sub-committee members approved extensions to the licence on Tuesday, December 13, after hearing the police and other authorities, including the council’s noise team, did not oppose the request and only one resident and a councillor objected.
Rumors solicitor Jeremy Woodcraft told the panel at Kingswood civic centre that none of the late-night antisocial behaviour in the town centre, including mass brawls and vandalism, came from the bar but were caused by drunken teenagers congregating around an off-licence. He said one incident last month highlighted by the resident who objected happened at 3.30am – 90 minutes after Rumors closed its doors, so “it couldn’t have been anything to do with us”.
