by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Complaints about late-night noise and rowdy behaviour until the early hours have led to a licence review for a Dorchester business.
Residents living nearby say the Meram Kitchen/XO Lounge in Brewery Square has, at times, been run more like a nightclub.
Their objections will lead to a hearing on Tuesday which will decide whether the business should be allowed to keep its premises licence – or whether changes should be made, or the licence revoked.
The business has held a licence since 2022, with a management change two years ago. It allows for music indoors until 1am and on and off sales of alcohol also until 1am.
The ground floor, basement and terrace are all covered by the existing licence with councillors able to limit the extent of the areas covered as one of their options, if the complaints are upheld.
Said one objector: “The music has been thumpingly loud and there is no policing of the terrace outside the bar, meaning there is loud and unruly behaviour going through until 1am closing time and beyond. The bar is run as a night club. Currently, the bar is open on a Friday -Saturday evening but the owner has intimated this could be extended as the summer weather opens.”
Dorset Council’s Environmental Protection team have told the licensing panel that in January and February they dealt with 11 complaints about the premises but when residents were asked to keep a diary of the disturbance only one did so.
Noise recording equipment was also used but led to the team concluding : “at this stage is there is no evidence of a Statutory Nuisance or evidence of a breach of the prevention of public nuisance licensing objective.”
Dorset Police said they have received no complaints of any anti-social behaviour or disorder at the premised. Thirteen people had written in support of the business.
