THE director of a popular York bar has spoken out over the venue’s “fight for survival” over possible changes to its licence.

The Stone Roses Bar on King Street has been closed after its licence lapsed. Police and the council are now opposing a new licensing application, with police saying they saw a 34 per cent increase in call outs to the venue in 2018.

But a petition launched to save the bar was signed by more than 6,000 people in the first 24 hours.

Director Gregg Bray said: “We have built up the business over the past 14 years and we’re not just a bar in town, we’re unique, we are an attraction, and above all we are a responsible business that thousands of people enjoy visiting every week.

“We are currently applying for a venue license and it’s turned into a fight for survival for the bar as the police want to restrict our opening hours.”

He said if the bar was forced to shut earlier, it would “severely hamper” business. And he disputed a police statement, which said they were called out 51 times last year. He said staff “don’t believe there were 51 crimes here and they have not been forthcoming with giving us the data”.

Brewery Thwaites, which owns the building, has also thrown its support behind the bar, with director of pubs Andrew Buchanan saying: “This iconic bar is so important to Gregg and the 18 people who work there and we will do everything we can to keep it operating as the successful student and music venue that it is.

“We hope the police will see sense and support this fantastic local business which is not just a key part of the night time student economy but also a tourist attraction in its own right. If they are going to start restricting places due to general crime in the area where will it end? Will the shops start getting restrictions during their busy periods due to shoplifting and pickpocketing?”

They added that they are happy to work with police and they already have door staff and CCTV in place. The bar has asked for a licence to play live music, sell alcohol and open from 11am to 2.30am seven days a week.

North Yorkshire Police have objected to the plans, saying they were called to the premises 51 times last year for incidents including violence, anti-social behaviour and thefts.

A statement prepared for the council’s licensing committee said: “North Yorkshire Police have been concerned about the increase in calls for service.

"Two meetings have taken place with the police and management within the last six months to discuss the concerns and ascertain what measures the venue are taking to promote the licensing objectives, and address the increase, with the most recent meeting on December 12, 2018. As such the applicants are aware of the concerns from the police.”

The hearing is on February 7 at 10am at West Offices.