Perth Voice Interactive

THE small bars are marching into Vincent, with three applications in various stages going before council at this week’s meeting.

Simon Psaros’ plan for a Greek tapas bar on Stirling Street was approved unanimously. It’ll close 10pm Mondays to Wednesdays, to be reviewed in a year. Crs Ros Harley and Matt Buckels had wanted to let Brika stay open to 11pm during the week.

Mr Psaros says the relatively early close will make it difficult but overall he was glad the bar was approved.

Six nearby residents had initially objected to Brika’s application, but two took the unprecedented move of attending council to withdraw their applications.

Councillors commented they’d never seen this happen before and praised Mr Psaros on his communication with locals.

The bar is next to a 24-hour McDonald’s and the Villa nightclub. Mr Psaros still has to get a licence from the notoriously prickly WA liquor department but is hoping to be up and running in November.

A bar planned for Angove Street was deferred while the applicant spends more time consulting neighbours.

A third small bar on Green Street in Mount Hawthorn is subject to a state administrative tribunal case. It was dealt with behind closed doors and the Voice was unable to get details.

Andy Freeman who runs BamBOO bar on Beaufort Street (behind Luxe) won approval for more patrons—from 150 to 153—and to stay open till 10pm Sunday to Thursday. He’d previously been required to renew his application every 12 months but councillors relented and made it permanent.

“With a zero complaint record for over three years, I think that this is fair,” Mr Freeman said. “We have proven… that we can manage this space.” He notes the bar is only opened for special events.

Councillors deleted a Stalinist requirement that would have required the venue to “carefully select the style of music” with a preference for “blues, kazz (sic), soul and orchestral music” over rock, pop and hip-hop acts.

by DAVID BELL