Serle's House granted alcohol licence for wedding receptions

Serle's House in Southgate Street can now host wedding receptions with alcohol from 10am to 10pm, six days a week, after approval by the city council’s licensing committee on Tuesday, September 8.

The applicants, Hampshire County Council, originally sought permission to serve alcohol until 11 pm, seven days a week, but the request was revised by the committee after considering residents' concerns.

Dan Wright, Facilities Operations Manager for Hampshire County Council, said: "We are very invested in ensuring that there is no negative impact on residents, and we will continue to make sure we don’t have a negative impact. It's very important that’s the case.

"Hampshire County Council is committed to making positive use of Searles House, a distinctive and historical building that forms an important part of local heritage, while preserving and promoting the building's character is important."

The licence enables the venue to host first-floor wedding receptions to its existing ceremonies, in the Banqueting Room and Smythe Room.

Eleven representations were submitted, raising fears of noise, public nuisance, and extra traffic and parking pressure in nearby Gar Street and Archery Lane.

Archery Lane residents Annabelle and Peter Halsor, who attended the meeting, said: "There is very limited parking as we all know.

Serle's House

"If there's no sufficient area in front of Serle's House for taxis, people at the end of the evening who are requiring taxis will be diverted up Archery Lane, creating significant disruption.

"Mixing traffic with foot traffic is going to create a very dangerous environment, particularly in the evening."

Peter Halliwell, a resident of Gar Street, said: "Serle's house is actually on Gar Street, despite its postal address. It’s a very quiet cul-de-sac on a residential estate, and I cannot see how this won't result in public nuisance.

"I get the point to sweat the assets, and we understand and appreciate that, but we see this very much as a thin end of the wedge."

The applicant said staff would direct guests to city-centre car parks and manage arrivals, but admitted they would not know the demand until events began.

The licence includes several conditions to address residents’ concerns.

They limit outdoor gatherings to five people after 7 pm, require notices telling guests to wait indoors for taxis and require staff to supervise departures after 9 pm.

At least one staff member will also manage traffic at the Archery Lane and Gar Street junction from 30 minutes before each event, while others monitor residential parking and redirect vehicles if needed.

Guests will not be allowed to take drinks outside.

The application follows plans to make the building available to the Registration Service for weddings and other civil ceremonies.