Inverness axe-throwing bar clears major hurdle
A new Inverness bar and restaurant where competitive axe-throwing will be held has been granted a licence by Highland Council.
No objections or representations were received against the plans for Playback in the former Ponden Interiors store on Academy Street, and the Highland Licensing Board approved the venture today unanimously. (Tuesday)
Police, fire service and NHS Highland were included in the consultation process.
Local businessman Taran Campbell a partner in the innovative plan for a games bar complex, said on Playback's social media: "Great news everyone. We are thrilled to announce that Playback has just had its premises licence approved by Highland Council.
"This is a major milestone for us and we want to take this opportunity to give a huge Thank You to Highland Council for their support."
Mr Campbell attended the licensing hearing to answer questions from board members.
He told the Inverness Courier: "They were really nice and very supportive.
"Now the target is to get planning permission and hopefully this will be in early April. Things are moving pretty fast now."
The innovative plans to open a four-storey games bar complex in Inverness city centre has already received a hugely positive response on social media.
Read more on the new bar here:
Playback if approved will be centred on the former Pondens shop, but will be developed over four floors from a basement to the roof.
Playback will consists of a bar and restaurant, small lower enclosed roof terrace and a larger roof terrace with views over the Victorian Market.
Mr Campbell and and business partner David Montgomery want to redevelop 27-31 Academy Street with the pub and restaurant, creating up to 30 jobs.
Mr Campbell is hopeful the ambitious venture could be up and running in late spring or early summer.
The Licensing Standards Officer (LSO) reported they had visited the premises and found they were suitable for their prospective use.
Their report stated: "The specification of the premises is based on a successful concept from England, whereby the traditional bar offering of food and alcohol takes place in an environment where games such as skittles, shuffleboard, table tennis and axe throwing are offered to customers, creating a recreational, as opposed to a solely drinking environment.
"In the opinion of the LSO the operating plan meets the standards of the licensing objectives.
"The LSO has also recommended a specific condition, to ensure adequate supervision of the axe throwing activity to assist in maintaining public safety."
Special conditions will be that axe throwing shall only take place under the dedicated supervision of a staff member, and all axes not being used for throwing shall be securely retained by staff.
Mr Campbell stressed there would be stringent controls in place, as seen at similar venues elsewhere in the UK and abroad.
It would be a sober and heavily-supervised pursuit, with special safety cages installed for the thrower and a one-person per cage rule and staff on hand at all times to direct participants.
Axe-throwing has gained popularity as a pursuit elsewhere in the UK and in the USA.
Mr Campbell – who with Mr Montgomery launched and runs Infinity Trampoline Park outlets in Inverness and Cardiff – described the investment as a vote of confidence in his home city.
