Playback Bar hosting axe-throwing and activities in Inverness seeks 3am license as the owners want to host ‘a mix of DJ's and bands along with dancing’
The Playback Bar in Inverness that caught the public’s eye for offering axe-throwing and other activities wants to extend its opening hours to 3am in the morning three nights of the week.
The move comes after a petition was launched for a new nightclub in Inverness amid fears the city’s nightlife is “losing its buzz” though the application was likely submitted before this latest development.
The venue wants to open on “Thursday, Friday and Saturday” – presumably into the next day so closing at 3am between Friday and Sunday so it can host “a mix of DJs and bands along with dancing”.
Playback on Academy Street is a concept dreamed up by businessmen Taran Campbell and David Montgomery which boasts three separate bars, self-service beer taps and an array of entertaining pursuits inside.
No objections have been received regarding the “major” license variation after standard procedure saw Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and NHS Highland contacted.
Highland Council’s community services (Environmental Health) and planning and building standards were also consulted on the application as was the local Community Council also resulting in no objections.
The venue was described as “a relatively new activities bar venue in Inverness city centre operated by Beyond Bar Inverness Ltd, having its licence confirmed in April 2024.
“To date the premises have a satisfactory operating history and currently trade on Monday to Thursday: 11.00 to 24.00; Friday to Saturday: 11.00 to 0100; Sunday: 11.00 to 24.00”.
It goes on to say: the “Application has been made by the operators, to extend their current opening hours for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, until 03.00 hrs. Such an application is within HLB Policy, which provides for late opening on a Thursday to Saturday basis.
“The reason for the application is both economical and to provide late night entertainment for tourists and locals alike, hoping to capture extra trade, by having additional night’s late operation.
“Ostensibly, the premises have operated as an activities bar at street level, where regular live entertainment provided to date by DJ’s has been a regular feature. There is a further bar area on the first floor with a function room and outdoor drinking area on the second floor.
“A visit to the premises in respect of this application has been conducted by the LSO. The bar is equipped with a dedicated digital system of CCTV cameras, covering all areas of the premises.
“The infrastructure of the bar for providing live music is established, with a small yet sufficient dance area. The entertainment will be pre-advertised and genuinely forms a “significant” part of the operation, which is where the late hours will apply”.