Mixology bar in Durham City loses bid to stay open later

Mixology, at Elvet Bridge in Durham, applied to extend its opening hours after warning it was losing business to nearby bars and venues which stay open later. 

Currently open between 7am-12am Sunday to Thursday and until 1am on Friday and Saturday, the bar’s application was refused by Durham County Council last year. 

The local authority said the extended opening hours could impact nearby residents. 

Mixology, at Elvet Bridge in Durham, applied to extend its opening hours (Image: The Northern Echo)

Yet, Mixology’s owners argued the decision was “unfair” and did not ensure a fair playing field for competing venues. 

“This limitation restricts a service open to patrons, stifles competition, and limits the possibility of extended employment and servicing opportunities,” a statement read. 

“Restricting hours at these premises can also create more queues outside other premises.  Opening later can lessen queues that might happen at other places, as more internal floorspace is open for patrons. 

“Such restriction, more than other operations nearby, makes no sense.”

Nearby businesses including Blue Eye, Jimmy Allens, Fabio’s, The Library, and Whisky River close later than Mixology. 

The statement added: “This locality already has a lot of much later opening premises, which already create lots of activity, noise and footfall and thus within such a context some limited extended opening at these premises is considered acceptable.”

A government planning inspector was called to consider an appeal by Mixology in January. 

However, they supported the initial planning decision.

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A decision notice concluded: “The proposed variation would have a significant adverse effect on the living conditions of nearby residents, with respect to noise and disturbance

“Although it is advised that the proposal supports the modern living needs of customers, this would not be the case for nearby residents where sleep disturbance could occur, and health and quality of life adversely affected.

“While no objections have been raised by neighbours, this does not render the scheme acceptable.”