The Joll(ier) Potters!

Pub finally has ban on outdoor music lifted

- Phil Corrigan Local Democracy Reporter

A PUB can host outdoor music events again - six years after noise complaints resulted in a ban.

The Jolly Potters in Hartshill has been granted a variation to its licence which will allow it to host live and recorded music in its beer garden, and serve alcohol from an outdoor bar.

A condition on the licence barring outdoor music was imposed in 2019, following a review by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Current tenants James Elliot and Kirsty Fradley, who took over the pub in April, have hosted a number of outdoor music events this year using temporary event notices (TENs).

Venue owner Star Pubs subsequently applied to the council for a permanent change to the licence. Two local residents and ward councillor Shaun Pender objected to the application, raising concerns that it could result in further noise problems.

Solicitor George Domleo, representing Star Pubs, acknowledged that the Jolly Potters had a 'chequered history' but blamed the previous issues on a 'rogue tenant.