Romsey pub warns it might have to close if licence review goes ahead

Martin Drake, who runs the Bishop Blaize in Winchester Road with his wife Rachel, issued the warning after Test Valley Borough Council made the application.

A notice outside the pub says the review is based on alleged public nuisance.

Mr Drake, who took on the pub in October 2023, said he was “quite shocked” by the application.

He said: “We had the licensing officer around the other day and asked what it was about. He said it was to do with our outside events.”

Mr Drake said the pub, which was named Pub of the Year by the Romsey Advertiser in 2024, holds about four outdoor events a year.

One is JoeFest, which raises money for music and mental health charities in memory of Romsey resident Joe Godden.

The pub also hosted the Fire Brigade Museum’s fundraising open day on Saturday, August 15, after Romsey Fire Station cancelled its event because of wildfires in the New Forest.

Mr Drake said the pub informs neighbours about events and invites them to attend.

He said: “We need these bigger events to keep us going through the year. I know we do a lot of charity events. We cover many of the events’ costs.

"If (TVBC’s licensing team) says ‘No more outside events’, that will be the end of this pub.

Martin (left) and Rachel Drake (Image: Newsquest)

"If they say we cannot play music or have live music, local artists will suffer.

"The licensing officer brought up an event last year and said they’d received a letter claiming that nearby residents had to shout to each other because they couldn’t hear.

"We had feedback from people saying the event was calm and quiet, and we had people saying they could hear each other and enjoy the music. We feel a lot (of the complaints) are made up.”

A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It’s sad that a licence review by TVBC is necessary.

"The level of noise from these outside events is ridiculous. The licensee has been told so many times about the nuisance he is causing but chooses to do nothing.

"This is the inevitable consequence of such antisocial behaviour.”

A TVBC spokesperson said: “Test Valley Borough Council has received an application from its Environmental Protection team to review the Bishop Blaize’s premises licence in Winchester Road, Romsey.

"The application has been made on the grounds of the prevention of public nuisance, and refers to loud and long-running outdoor events, amplified music being played outside, noise escaping from the building during indoor events, and the management of doors, windows and music volume levels.

"The application was received on August 17 and is open for representations until September 14.

"In accordance with the statutory process, details of the application have been published on the council's website and a site notice has been displayed at the premises.

"The application has been circulated to the relevant responsible authorities for comment.

"A hearing date has not yet been set and will be arranged in due course.”