The well-known Welsh pub, The Golden Lion in Penarth, has been granted permission to extend its opening hours despite complaints from residents about disruptive behavior. Initially, the pub had a license to sell alcohol from 10 am to 11 pm from Monday to Thursday and from 10 am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The updated license now allows the pub to sell alcohol from 8 am to midnight every day of the week, though the landlord, Paul Harper, assured that these extended hours will only be used for special occasions throughout the year.
During a Vale of Glamorgan Council meeting, residents living on King Street raised concerns about disturbances caused by pub-goers, including loud noises and anti-social behavior. They feared that the longer hours would exacerbate these issues. However, Paul Harper explained that the extended license aimed to streamline the process of opening early for specific events, such as major sporting occasions, without the need for temporary event notices.
Some residents reported incidents of patrons urinating on their homes and exhibiting disruptive behavior. In response, the pub owner, Jon Bassett, emphasized the establishment’s value to the community and pledged to address residents’ concerns. Paul Harper encouraged direct communication from residents for any future issues.
Residents outlined additional grievances such as smokers occupying too much space on the pavement, beer barrels cluttering the street, and littering from cigarette butts. Mr. Harper addressed these concerns by stating that measures had been taken to address them, including keeping bins in the pub’s garden and providing ashtrays outside.
Following the complaints raised by residents, South Wales Police made representations which were later withdrawn after certain conditions were agreed upon. These conditions include maintaining a CCTV system, enforcing a challenge 25 policy, displaying signs prompting patrons to leave quietly, keeping an incident log, and ensuring no person under 18 is on the premises after 9 pm.
Despite the objections, the council approved the extended hours for The Golden Lion. Mr. Bassett expressed satisfaction with the decision, highlighting the pub’s status as a significant local business supporting employment and supply chains. He reiterated the pub’s commitment to listening to residents and resolving any issues that may arise in the future.
In conclusion, The Golden Lion in Penarth has been granted permission to operate with extended hours, allowing the sale of alcohol from 8 am to midnight on selected days, following assurances from the landlord to address community concerns and uphold standards of conduct.