A NEW Helensburgh bar has assured councillors of its plans for noise management after making changes to how the premises operated previously.
The Comet opened last month in the former La Scala building on James Street, which barring a brief spell had lain empty since 2019.
Representatives attended a meeting of the Argyll and Bute licensing board asking for a change to the description of the premises and to remove restaurant facilities from its licence activities.
A local councillor raised previous issues at the site when it was the Logie Baird, which closed its doors in 2019. Management responded that noise management measures were in place.
The application was unanimously granted by councillors on the Argyll and Bute licensing board at its meeting on Tuesday, February 24.
Councillor Kieron Green (Independent, Oban North and Lorn) said: “I think it is probably somewhat disappointing that there is a move away from food provision, but I do not see that with a licensing perspective. It is back to a different time with pubs, but that is fine.”
Solicitor Chloe Crawford responded: “It is the way that Amber Taverns are running their pubs in Scotland.”
Councillor Paul Kennedy (Liberal Democrat, Helensburgh and Lomond South) then said: “I know these premises from the past. It is a large premises and has in the past been subject to a lot of complaints on Fridays and Saturdays.
“I see you are opening until 2am; are you doing anything to ensure no complaints from nearby residents? Previously you also had disc jockeys, will these be reintroduced?”
Ms Crawford responded: “The hours are not part of this application, but as far as I know, there have been no major incidents since my clients have taken the premises over.
“They have policies in place that they will comply with and look to implement the licensing objectives as well.”
Gary Roberts, of Amber Taverns, added: “We do not use disc jockeys in the pub; only a background system for music and we do noise monitoring as a regular occurrence on Friday and Saturday, where we go outside the premises and monitor noise levels.
“We currently trade until 1am in the usual trading pattern. We do not foresee going to 2am unless it is a special occasion.”
Councillor Kennedy added: “It was a pity that the building was left vacant for so long, because it is a great building. Good luck with it and as long as you are aware of the problems there in the past.”
