Bath pub owners seek 24-hour alcohol license for new venue

Residents near the Theatre Royal in Bath will see a change at the former Canon pub, which is preparing to reopen as HQ under new ownership. The venue, located in a converted church, is seeking permission to sell alcohol around the clock. This request comes as the establishment transitions from a traditional pub with sports and pool tables to a space focused on events like quizzes, karaoke, and Bingo Lingo.

Rosh Ltd, the new owners, filed the application to gain flexibility for broadcasting major international sporting events. These events, including the Superbowl, Olympics, and overseas football, often air during the middle of the night. The company stated that temporary event notices could not reasonably accommodate the varying timings of these fixtures throughout the year.

Avon and Somerset Police have objected to the application. Licensing officer Ben Allen argued that there is no compelling reason to allow unrestricted 24-hour trading. He noted that other late-night venues in the area stop serving alcohol between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. Allen warned that extending hours could lead to more crime, disorder, and public nuisance in the early morning.

The police concern is that the pub might attract intoxicated individuals who would otherwise leave the city center. Allen said the operator requires additional hours occasionally but has not demonstrated a continuing need for a full 24-hour license. He also pointed out that no extra conditions were proposed to show how the venue would meet licensing objectives during the extended hours.

After meeting with the applicant to discuss their concerns, the police remained unconvinced. Allen described the business as one trying to run before it can walk, lacking the foundations to promote licensing objectives. He emphasized that the distinction between occasional extra hours and continuous 24-hour operation is important for the area.

The application will be decided at a licensing hearing at the Guildhall in Bath at 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 5. If the council rejects the 24-hour license, HQ will operate under the existing permit for the premises. That current license allows the pub to trade from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Live music and hot food service would still end at 3 a.m. under the proposed new rules.

The venue plans to host community events while also screening global sports. The outcome of the hearing will determine whether the pub can keep its doors open and serve drinks at any hour or revert to a standard late-night schedule.