Cheerz Bar has been refused permission to extend its hours for a Pet Shop Boys after-party.
The Exchange Street venue wanted to open for an extra hour after the iconic duo’s concert at the P&J Live on June 21.
Cheerz applied to Aberdeen City Council looking to open until 3am after the gig, instead of its usual 2am.
It will be the band’s first appearance in Aberdeen for more than 30 years and bar bosses argued it was an occasion worthy of some extra celebrations.
They last played at the AECC back in May 1991.
But not everyone got into the party spirit.
Police argued that granting the extension would set a precedent for other venues to follow suit.
And they warned the extra hour could lead to anti-social behaviour from boozed up fans of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, putting demand on emergency services.
‘If Westlife played, are we expecting Irish bars to come forward?’
The council’s licensing chiefs also raised some concerns – with worries other pubs could follow suit.
The officer said: “If we think that the Pet Shop Boys constitutes a reason for this venue, if Westlife played are we expecting every Irish bar in the city to come forward?
“And when Lewis Capaldi plays, do we look at the Scottish Embassy?”
After-party being held to celebrate return of the Pet Shop Boys
The bar’s application was up for discussion at this morning’s licensing board meeting.
Solicitor Janet Hood spoke on behalf of Cheerz.
She said the after-party was being held to celebrate the “LGBTQ+ icons” and their return to the Granite City.
Ms Hood said the event was important to the bar’s customers, and would allow them to have some fun while honouring some heroes of the scene.
She also argued the concert could see an increase in footfall to Aberdeen city centre, bringing a boost to tourism and the local economy.
Ms Hood added: “Concerts are tourist bonanzas and being able to offer a later night is good for this city.”
What did the committee have to say about it?
However, committee convener councillor Neil Copland suggested the request be refused.
“I really worry that we would be setting a bad precedent going forward,” he said.
“I don’t think we can justify this just because an event is being held at the P&J Live.”
Mr Copland also said there was a “real danger” the extra hour would lead to extended drinking time for customers.
Plea made to grant Cheerz Bar extension
But councillor Marie Boulton wanted to allow the extension despite concerns about it falling on a Wedenesday night.
She said: “We do grant mid-week extensions for other events such as boxing matches, football and wrestling in Las Vegas.
“If we want to encourage these types of events at the exhibition centre and be able to benefit the city centre from these events, we have to be minded.”
Ms Boulton added: “The Pet Shop Boys do have a particular following and status within the LGBTQ+ community and I think it would be acceptable.
“It will be more fun and encourage people to perhaps come and stay for an extra night.”
However, after a narrow vote, the application was refused by four to three.
You can watch the discussion here.
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