Nightclub Lakota faces licence review over ‘noise and littering’

A threat is facing one of Bristol’s nightclubs next week as Lakota, in Stokes Croft, faces a licensing review.

The club is already at risk of redevelopment, as two years ago Bristol City Council’s development control committee granted planning permission for developers to knock down the building and replace it with flats. Now the club faces another threat, this time to its premises licence.

The council’s licensing sub-committee will hear an application for a licensing review, which could lead to the club’s premises licence being changed, suspended, or completely revoked if councillors think there is a need for action. These licences allow clubs and other venues to sell alcohol, and are crucial to the business.

Few details are available so far about the licensing review, which will be heard on Wednesday, July 27. The council did not publish three key documents about the review, as they contained “information relating to an individual”. It appears that a local resident applied for the licensing review, raising concerns about noise late at night and littering.

In April 2020, club-goers were dealt a blow when the council granted planning permission for 54 apartments and offices at the site, at 6 Upper York Street. But it’s unclear when redevelopment would begin, and there is still some uncertainty about the conversion plans.

Licensed premises have to follow four ‘objectives’ under licensing law.

These are: preventing crime and disorder, public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm. During next week’s hearing, councillors will quiz Lakota managers about how they are adhering to these rules, before deciding what, if any, action should be taken.

Lakota has been contacted for comment on the upcoming licensing review.