Regulars of Midsomer Norton's cellar bar, the Wunderbar, which closed in July due to financial reasons after strict conditions were imposed by a license review following a police investigation into drug use on the premises, may get to visit the bar once more. Following an approach from one of the licensees, the licence conditions of the Wunderbar were discussed by Midsomer Norton Town Council at its meeting on Monday, 1st September. In discussing a proposal made by Cllr Linda Dunford, the Council recognised the importance of balancing the need to ensure that the licensing objectives are met and the viability of this small venue. The licensee of the Wunderbar contacted Midsomer Norton Town Council asking for support in recommending for a variation in the licence restrictions from Bath and North East Somerset Council's Licensing Committee. In particular, the licensees of the Wunderbar would like to see restrictions altered, so that patrons are not searched on their way into the bar, that they are not required to have door staff when open during the week and only one person on the door on a Friday and Saturday, instead of two, but would still retain the required number of staff on the premises. The Council recognised that the venue is an important part of the diverse night life on offer in Midsomer Norton and after carefully considering the proposed variations put forward by the licensee, it voted to offer to support should they make an application to Bath and North East Somerset – the Licensing Authority. At the meeting, Cllr Linda Dunford said: "The Wunderbar is vibrant and important to the town's cultural life, but B&NES has to work within the law of the Licensing Act. Any removal or amendments of restrictions must not have an adverse affect on those laws. The lisencees at the Wunderbar have made a strenuous effort to comply to the restrictions by installing CCTV and training staff. "Since the restrictions were put into place, until the bar closed, the Street Marshalls haven't reported any issues from the Wunderbar and even with the variations, there are still strong restrictions in place that would prevent any harm to come to the patrons." After the meeting, she added: "Following an approach from one of the licensees, the Town Council is pleased to have the opportunity to offer its support to a licence variation application to Bath and North East Somerset Council. "The Town Council recognises the strenuous efforts of the licensees to meet the licensing objectives in recent months and is confident that these will continue going forward. The Council will support the proposed application on this basis." The Council will now wait for the application to be submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council before submitting its views to the Licensing Authority.
