Curbs call on licence change for theatre

Apollo Resorts and Leisure Ltd has applied to Scarborough Borough Council to increase the number of people the venue can hold from 6,500 to just under 10,000. They also want the council’s licensing committee to allow it to sell alcohol two hours earlier than is permitted at present, and for the permitted hours of all licensed activities at the theatre to be increased by one hour.

But North Yorkshire Police officers have voiced concerns about the application’s potential to increase the amount of anti-social activity. Officers have claimed the North Bay and Peasholm area has proved a magnet for young people and there have been reports of anti-social behaviour, reports of drunken youths and criminal damage to premises and problems for local businesses and residents.

The open air theatre was used to show England football games on a giant screen during last summer’s FIFA World Cup. However, one event was blighted by a brawl as the audience of 3,000 people left following the screening of England’s 1-1 draw with America.

Police have suggested a limit of 6,500 people should be imposed unless decking is placed over the lake – and even then the capacity should not exceed 8,500. Other suggested conditions include the use of non-glass vessels. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has also reported concerns over the potential for greater noise levels and public safety. The council’s licensing committee will make its decision on Friday.

The Queen officially opened Scarborough’s open air theatre last summer in front of a 6,500-strong crowds in her first visit to the town since July 1975. The venue, which is Europe’s largest open air theatre, was re-launched following a multi-million pound revamp.