Licensing go-ahead for auditorium

SMG Europe Holdings Ltd had submitted an application for the licence for the venue, which is due to re-open in the spring.

Members of York Council's licensing committee approved plans for a 24-hour licence to hold regulated entertainment and to serve alcohol at the Barbican between 11am and 4am seven days a week.

The Yorkshire Post revealed last week that the firm had agreed to a range of measures after council officers raised concerns over the level of noise when events are once again staged at the Barbican.

The future of the venue had been thrown into question when it closed in 2004.

However, it was announced in November that the building is to undergo a 2m re-development after York Council agreed a 30-year deal with SMG Europe Holdings Ltd.

The venue will hold as many as 250 events a year, and the re-launch will bring up to 12m annually into the city's economy and create 60 full-time jobs.