Sheffield Council's licensing board was this morning due to hear applications from the Pomona on Ecclesall Road, and city centre Buddha-themed venue, Bia Hoi, on Mappin Street, off West Street.

The Pomona, which is in a popular student drinking area but is surrounded by housing, wants to sell alcohol and play music until 2am from Sunday to Thursday and until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The bar currently serves until midnight Sunday to Wednesday and to 1am Thursday to Saturday.

Five letters of objection have been received. One Porter Terrace resident complained: "If these longer hours are allowed, it will open the floodgates for other licensed premises in Ecclesall Road.

"When clientele are entering and leaving similar establishments, they are very often noisy, aggressive and inconsiderate, and there is nothing to suggest the Pomona's clientele will be any different." Chris Thornton, of Cowlishaw Road, said: "Customers of pubs on Ecclesall Road cause significant nuisance including shouting, slamming of car doors and urinating in people's gardens. However the problem is limited by restrictions on opening times.

"Their extension into the early hours can only benefit a small number of people while causing enormous grief and severe reduction in quality of life for local residents."

There were also complaints about fly posting by The Pomona and PC Louise Atha also objected, saying: "There is potential for noise to escalate and a rise in complaints relating to public nuisance." Jonathan Round of the council's environmental health department, called for the playing of recorded music and alcohol sales to be limited until midnight Sunday to Wednesday, 1am on Thursdays and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.

He is also recommending live music should cease by 11.30pm every night, a noise limiter should be fitted to the sound system, the outdoor area should be closed after midnight and no new customers allowed in after 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Meanwhile, Bia Hoi's owners have asked to serve booze and play music until 2am seven days a week, instead of the current 12.30am Sunday to Wednesday and 1am Thursday to Saturday.

There were no objections to the extended hours from members of the public. The bar is surrounded by student flats.

An objection was sent by council planning officer Matthew Ridge who said: "It would generate undue noise and disturbance at an unreasonable time of night and would detract from the amenity of residents."
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