Licensing blow hits arts venue revival hopes

HOPES of reviving a popular arts venue have been dealt a blow after it had its opening hours slashed by licensing chiefs.

The Roxy Art House has been closed since last October after the collapse of owner Edinburgh University Settlement (EUS).

It emerged earlier this week that "experienced Fringe producers" were in talks to turn it into a major venue for shows.

But licensing chiefs have now moved to rule that the Roxburgh Place building will only be allowed to open until 11pm, instead of 1am, even when any new owners take over.

The decision came as a result of a follow-up hearing held because of complaints about noise six months ago, when the venue was still open.

Since the original noise complaint, it had emerged that planning rules dating back to 2003 stated that the venue could not open later than 11pm, yet licensing chiefs granted a 1am in December 2009 after apparently being unaware of the conditions put on the building's planning consent.

Councillor Marjorie Thomas, the city's licensing leader, said: "When we first discussed the noise complaints, we decided to leave it and review it in six months. In the interim, EUS went bust so we had some residents and the people who run it in to speak.

"They hope to get a new buyer but we decided to alter the hours and residents seem to be quite pleased with that result. They do not want to put a dampener on the whole business but they wanted something to happen.

"There were also planning issues and it was reduced to 11pm by licensing. We want it to be an arts venue as opposed to a bar. It is a residential area."

Most venues are able to apply for a two-hour extension to their opening hours during the Festival season, but it is now unclear whether any new owner would be successful with an application for a variation to its licence.

Cllr Thomas said: "Most things at the Festival get two hours, but if there's issues with this one there will be a lot more thought put into it."

During the licence review, the licensing board noted the complaints from residents about noise but said it was pleased to note "there was a willingness on the part of those involved with the Roxy Art House to engage with residents in trying to address concerns".

A city council spokeswoman said: "The board took on the concerns of local residents and relevant planning conditions and have brought the closing time back to 11pm."

A spokeswoman for PricewaterhouseCoopers, liquidators for the EUS, said: "The sale process is continuing and we do not envisage this having any impact."