INDOOR SPORT: Former Debenhams Building to Host New Sports Bar
A licensing sub-committee of Hastings Borough Council has approved a premises licence for a new sports bar in part of the former Debenhams building. It will be accessed from Robertson Terrace, off the seafront, rather than from the former main entrance in Robertson St.
The licence permits the sale of alcohol, the screening of live sports, and the provision of indoor sporting activities, including table tennis, snooker and pool, darts, and a basketball machine. Consent was also requested for the installation of a bowling alley. This was deferred pending the submission of an engineer’s report detailing measures to be taken to mitigate noise nuisance.
The licensor will be Tom Cosens, former operator of the 180 Sports Bar at Marborough House (behind the Odeon cinema). He is sole owner and director of the intended new operating company, Players Sports Bar Limited.
Concerns were raised that Companies House records for several companies in which Mr Cosens had previously been involved, including 180 Sports Bar Limited, showed late filings and strike-off actions. However, there was no evidence of non-compliance with licensing objectives.
The business will employ Mr Cosens and his two daughters on formal contracts with additional staff engaged on zero-hour terms.
He told the sub-committee that he was committed to creating a “family-oriented environment”. However, the sub-committee stipulated that no children under the age of 18 are to be admitted, save with the accompaniment of an adult over 21.
Planning permission is still to be obtained.
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