A BAR on Weymouth's harbourside has applied for a premises licence for part of Custom House Quay, so that live music, festivals and events can be held throughout the year.

Solicitors acting on behalf of Stonegate Pub Company Limited - owner of the Rendezvous bar and nightclub - has applied for a premises licence for the pavement and highway outside the venue up to the harbour wall. It would permit the venue to hold live recorded music events there, and serve alcohol and late night food and drink.

The area is occasionally used by the Rendezvous to hold outdoor festivals and big screen events such as this summer's screenings of England's World Cup games. 

The pub chain is now seeking a permanent 'standalone' premises licence for the space. They say that the area would be used for hosting six annual outdoor events - five to be held over Bank Holiday weekends, plus one event in July - as well as for outdoor Euro and World Cup football matches.

Requested hours for live and recorded music are from 11am until 10pm on Saturday and Sunday, and from 3pm until 1am on New Year's Eve.

The pub chain has also asked for the licence to include the sale of hot food and drink between the hours of 11pm to 1.30am on New Year's Eve. They have requested permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the outdoor space from 11am until 11pm on weekends, and 3pm until 1am on New Year's Eve.

Dorset Echo: Quayside Music FestivalQuayside Music Festival

The firm said that it would submit plans and risk assessments to the council's Licensing department at least six weeks before the start of any event, including plans for health and safety, traffic management and crowd control. The council could make this a mandatory condition if it approves the request.

A premises licence could give the Rendezvous more flexibility than temporary events notices. Under a temporary events notice a maximum of 500 guests can attend, with 15 events allowed each year, adding up to a maximum 21 days.

A spokesperson for Rendezvous said: “We have applied for a Festival Licence for our legendary Quayside Music Festivals. We have been working closely with the local authority to ensure our guests will continue to have a safe and enjoyable time at our events. We continue to monitor Government guidance to ensure our guests remain safe as we look positively towards 2022. Keep an eye on our social media for the latest updates.”

  •  Comments on the licence application can be made by following the instructions at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/-/comment-on-an-licence-application - to be received before December 22.