New Sheffield video games venue Retrodome wins drinks licence bid
A new family retro video games venue in Sheffield has won its bid for a drink licence despite objections that it’s too close to an alcohol treatment centre.
Sheffield public health officials and drug and alcohol recovery service Waythrough argued that Retrodome on Allen Street in Shalesmoor is too close to the Portland House treatment centre opposite.
Sheffield City Council’s licensing sub-committee decided today (July 21) to grant the drinks licence. They heard that Retrodome’s owners had moved the entrance around the back of the building, out of sight of Portland House.
They also agreed to remove any alcohol advertising from the front of the building and to block the view of windows overlooking Allen Street.
Sheffield director of public health Greg Fell said: “The objection is just on the unique location of this site, immediately next to the gaming centre.”
He said the site had been chosen carefully to be as far away as possible from licensed premises.
Responsible
His colleague Amanda Pickard said; “It’s not about responsible alcohol sales, it’s about the immediate area.”
Sam Higgins from Waythrough, which treats around 4,100 people a year at Portland House, said they were concerned that Retrodome customers would come into contact with their clients.
People recovering from alcohol addiction could be triggered by the presence of licensed premises so close by, she said.
She said a member of staff who has undergone alcohol recovery alerted managers after seeing drinks adverts on the building.
Bill Donne of Silver Fox Licensing Consultants, representing Retrodome, said that entry costs £12-14, which gives free access to the games. None are gambling machines or give prizes, he said.
Proximity
He said: “It is in very close proximity to Portland House. At what point do you stop allowing businesses to prosper?”
Director Phil Thompson said that the venue targets families and adults. Total food, drink and soft drink sales account for a maximum 25 per cent of turnover at their venue Retrodome Barnsley.
Councillor Stuart Wallace said that convenience store Shalesmoor Local Express nearby is “plastered with adverts for alcohol. Within walking distance there are several bars which people could go into free of charge”.