Venue's Halloween plans prompt noise concerns

A York venue's application to host Halloween events featuring Ru Paul's Drag Race and Big Brother stars has prompted noise concerns.

Little J is proposing to host events on October 30 and 31 from 19:00 BST until 04:00 and 05:00 respectively at its North Street venue.

The LGBTQ+ venue's application stated the evenings would feature performances from Ru Paul's Drag Race's Charra Tea and Big Brother 2025's Sam Ashby, along with music, comedy, dancing and spoken word acts.

City of York Council and North Yorkshire Police filed objections, stating a lack of detail on how the venue would stop noise disturbing nearby flats and hotels, and prevent underage alcohol sales.

The latest bid follows a licensing hearing last year which granted the Chapel House venue extended opening hours throughout the week.

The venue's proposal for its Halloween events stated a resolution needed to be reached over noise issues, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It stated it would "have to abandon any further events here and make alternative arrangements if the council continues to refuse to communicate".

Council public protection officials said the venue had not yet met conditions attached to November's licensing decision around noise control "so as to prevent a public nuisance from occurring during this event".

They also raised concerns about the latest application not mentioning age verification measures "to prevent underage sales from occurring" and suggested the proposal was refused.

The police stated they would not support the sale of alcohol until 04:00 in an area where there are concerns about alcohol-fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour.

Little J's application is set to go before councillors for a hearing on 29 September.

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