By Natalia Forero, Local Democracy Reporter
A new cocktail bar in Bitterne Park has been granted permission to serve alcohol and play both live and recorded music.
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Compton's Cocktails in Manor Farm Road will be able to operate from 10am to 11pm “selling cocktails, other spirits, wine and tap beer”.
At a Southampton City Council licensing sub-committee meeting on December 3, applicant William Smith, of WJTS Venues Ltd, said the bar would close at 10pm during the week and 11pm on weekends.
Mr Smith told councillors the idea for the venue grew from conversations with clients at his hairdressing salon.
He said many women in the area wanted somewhere “calm”, “nice” and “internal” to socialise.
Mr Smith said: “There is already a microbrewery on the same street, which is fantastic for men.
“However, most of the women that I deal with are probably looking for something much more calm, much nicer, an inside, sort of calm vibe really.”
The application was supported by Hampshire Constabulary, which imposed a series of licensing conditions.
The interior. Photo: Compton's Cocktails
These include installing CCTV covering entrances, exits and public areas, keeping recordings for a set period, and maintaining an incident logbook for any disorder or safety concerns.
Staff must also be trained to prevent under-age sales, recognise intoxication, and refuse alcohol when necessary, and the bar will operate a Challenge 25 policy requiring anyone who looks under 25 to show ID proving they are over 18.
One resident, Louis Lake, spoke against the application, raising concerns about the potential impact of noise on nearby homes.
Mr Lake told the committee that residents are going to be “negatively affected” by the noise.
Mr Lake said: “These properties were originally built as terrace houses. They don’t have soundproofing adequate for the noise generated by 30-plus people drinking and listening to music.”
Mr Lake also criticised the proposed 10am to 11pm alcohol-serving hours from Monday to Thursday.
He said: “This will cause myself and other residents significant sleep disruption.
“Customers would be outside making noise six nights a week, well past the last serving of alcohol at 11pm.
“I believe it would be fair on local residents to restrict the use of the street for congregating past 10pm during the work week and on school nights.”
However, Mr Smith said the business had undergone extensive consultation with environmental health regarding noise control.
He explained that sound levels at the venue are capped at 80 decibels, but tests showed the bar is more likely to operate at around 60 decibels due to its small size.
According to the application, the bar has installed sound-reduction measures including reinforced and insulated flooring to reduce sound and vibration, along with a floating insulated ceiling.
Mr Smith added that, as a further measure, windows and doors would remain closed during opening hours to prevent noise escaping.
After hearing all evidence and representations, the committee approved the application.
A change of use planning application was also conditionally approved by the council on November 27.
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