Marston's PLC has applied to Dudley Council for a licence variation at the Gigmill in stourbridge, asking to show films and sport on an outside screen. The licensing committee is due to hear the case on May 19, with nearby residents set to raise objections.
Gigmill Way objections
The application would also allow a temporary outdoor bar when the pub is busy, which Marston's says is intended to ease congestion. It seeks permission for outdoor films between 10am and 11pm, Monday to Sunday.
One Gigmill Way resident told the council, "I envisage the noise generated by sound from the film will impact on myself and my neighbours." Another said, "I suspect that with the Football World Cup due to take place in June/July this year, with screenings taking place in the early hours of the morning, Marston's will, no doubt, seek to extend the licence to cover the screenings of these games."
Marston's Grandstand banner
The same resident added, "That, along with drinking in the early hours would also be unacceptable." Another Gigmill Way resident wrote, "Outdoor displays cannot be controlled in terms of who sees or hears the content." They also said, "This creates a situation where children may be exposed to unsuitable films, inappropriate language or adult material without any parental supervision."
The Gigmill reopened in April after a £360,000 refurbishment and was rebranded under Marston's Grandstand banner. Marston's said the brand is oriented around sport shown at the premises and engagement with local amateur teams so as to reinforce community connections and support for sport in the community.
Dudley Council on May 19
Dudley Council's licensing committee will consider whether the variation should be allowed as proposed. For nearby residents, the decision will determine whether the pub can add outdoor screening to the revised licence now under review, or whether the objections narrow what the council is willing to permit.
