Froth over new tavern

By Melissa Meehan
BELGRAVE is set to have a new tavern added to its list of entertainment venues.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges last week approved a planning application to change the currently vacant former Aztec Lounge from a licensed café to a tavern.
The tavern, to be called Oscar’s Alehouse, attracted six objections including one from resident Renee Robinson who spoke at the council meeting on behalf of nearby residents.
Ms Robinson said residents were concerned about the noise the new Bayview Road venue would generate.
Of particular concern, she said, was that noise generated by patrons as they stood on decking at the back of the premises would carry over the gully and disturb residents.
“The conversations and abusive language can be heard strongly through the Fern Gully area,” Ms Robinson said.
“But the conversations and abusive language are the least of our problems. We are worried about the live music. We argue that a tavern is entirely unsuitable for the area.”
She said a council proposal to put a curfew on the use of the deck would not solve the problem.
“It is reasonable in theory but the 9pm curfew doesn’t take into consideration the residents.
“We have shift workers, an ambulance officer, young children, senior citizens and, believe it or not, a librarian who enjoys her quiet time,” Ms Robinson said.
The applicant, Brad Merritt, said his planned tavern would not be as noisy as the residents believed as he was aiming for an “older, more discerning crowd”.
“We want to create an environment where discerning, mature people can relax and have a conversation without screaming over loud music,” Mr Merritt said.
He said that he understood the previous establishment had a “rowdy patronage” but argued that his ale house would not allow the same behaviour.
After much discussion between councillors concerning the number of car parks available to patrons of the tavern, and councillor Len Cox’s complaints about “society worshipping booze” the application was granted.