A CITY-centre bar’s bid to open an outdoor drinking zone has been criticised by York’s civic figurehead over noise fears.

Café Rouge, which recently set up its second York branch in Coney Street, will today discover whether it can extend its licence to allow open-air eating and drinking in a yard at the back of its premises.

But the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Sue Galloway, whose official residence at the Mansion House stands next door, is unhappy at the plans because she says noisy drinkers might disturb civic events and put people off holding their weddings there.

Café Rouge’s application, which will be discussed at a City of York Council licensing hearing today, said the external area would not be used after 10pm.

Its opening times would remain the same, while the chain also wanted to fit more internal seating.

Dawn Steel, democratic services manager, speaking on behalf of the Lord Mayor, told the council’s head of licensing, Dick Haswell: “Noise from dining or drinking outside in the rear yard at Café Rouge will transmit to the Mansion House and cause disturbance to civic guests and the resident civic party.

“The Mansion House is the focal point of guests of the Lord Mayor and civic party, ranging from local people to members of the Royal Family.

“As such, it is essential the house and civic party are able to offer the right decorum for such events, with noise levels and disruption being kept to an absolute minimum.

“Couples getting married or holding a private reception in the building should be able to expect a peaceful and tranquil ambience, which could not be guaranteed were outside drinking and dining to be permitted next door.”

She also said the “distraction” from the outdoor area could be a “deterrent” to couples wanting to hire the Mansion House and have their wedding pictures taken in the Guildhall yard.

In 2009, the city’s then Lord Mayor, Coun John Galvin, complained late-night drinkers were making it difficult for him to sleep in the Mansion House.

His predecessor, Coun Brian Watson, formally objected to a licence-extension bid from McDonald’s during his tenure.

Tragus Group, which owns Café Rouge, did not want to comment ahead of the licensing meeting.