JD’S Sports Bar owner Lawrence Faustini made an application to extend the liquor licence and trading hours at the Lydiard Street North venue from 3am until 5am. 

Cr Des Hudson raised concerns an increase in trading hours could result in punters irresponsibly consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, at the council meeting on Wednesday evening.

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He feared it could fuel unruly behaviour in the already busy CBD night precinct and was not in the interests of public safety. 

“I’m not trying to be the fun police,’ he said. “I am not saying that people should not be able to go out and enjoy themselves but I believe we have enough venues open late in the city at the moment that we don’t need to extend the licence until 5am.”

Cr Amy Johnson said it was the responsibility of the licencee to ensure patrons were not served alcohol once they were heavily intoxicated.

She said there were already a number of nightspots, including the nearby George Hotel, which were given permission trade until 5am but rarely stayed open past 3.30am.  

All councillors except Cr Johnson voted against the application.