Benidorm-themed bar allowed to keep its licence

The owner's of Metune's bar say it will be rebranded

A Benidorm-themed bar which aimed to bring a taste of the Costa Blanca to the North Yorkshire seaside will keep its licence, despite noise complaints from some of its neighbours.

Metune's Bar in Whitby had its licence reviewed by North Yorkshire Council after people living in apartments above the venue in the Metropole Towers building said it caused "significant disturbance".

Tim Grogan, the councillor who chairs the licensing sub-committee, said the bar's premises supervisor had presented his case "very well indeed".

Justin Bray, the bar's licensee said he was "really pleased" with the decision and added that the bar would be rebranded in the coming weeks.

The bar on Argyle Road used to be known as The Met but was rebranded as Metune's - inspired by the ITV sitcom Benidorm and its Neptune's Bar - in June 2022.

It was opened by one of the stars of the series, actor Tim Healy, who played cross-dressing character Lesley Conroy.

The licence review was initiated by Nicholas Howell, a resident of Metropole Towers, and was supported by 18 other people.

Mr Howell told North Yorkshire Council: "The bar area has old single-glazed windows, a glass conservatory, and lacks soundproofing.

"Doors are frequently left open, and patrons often gather outside, further amplifying noise and disruption to residents."

But a statement Metune's Bar prepared for the licensing committee said the windows were old, but were double glazed, and it denied that doors were frequently left open.

The statement said: "This area is anything but quiet or residential.

"The West Cliff is one of the main tourist and holiday areas in Whitby. It is a busy, bustling and noisy place both during the day and evening."

The committee's decision leaves the bar's licence unchanged, meaning it can continue to open until 02:30 BST daily.

Grogan said the committee members had carefully considered all the evidence put before them.

"The committee reached a sensible outcome for all concerned," he added.

"We decided no further action was needed."

Mr Bray said no decision had been taken yet on what the bar's new theme would be.

"We're talking about it now with the team," he added.

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