Haberdashery Glasgow event licence refusal

Glasgow City Council has refused planning permission for The Haberdashery to operate as an events venue, following an appeal against a prior denial. The venue on Sauchiehall Street had been used for functions and weddings since 2022 without the required consent, leading to last year's initial refusal due to noise concerns. The owners' appeal against that decision has now been rejected, finalising the refusal of the plans.

Divided council views on noise and vacancy

The council's planning committee was divided in its final decision. Four members voted in favour of granting permission. Bailie Anne MacTaggart argued against adding to the area's empty properties. "There's already three empty properties within that block and I really don't want to see a fourth," she said, adding her desire to support vibrant business owners. Conversely, other councillors upheld the refusal on planning principle and noise grounds. Bailie Martha Wardrop stated the need to respect planning principles and support the established night-time economy in the actual city centre. Chairman councillor Ken Andrew cast the deciding vote against the proposal.

Owners stress investment and mitigation efforts

Owners Nicola Fairful and Afton Ferguson emphasised their total commitment to the business. They stated they had invested everything they had emotionally, physically and financially into The Haberdashery. The pair told the hearing they had gone to great lengths to deal with sound issues and had recorded zero incidents of anti-social behaviour around the premises. Nicola Fairful stated, "We want to make it clear that The Haberdashery is not a nightclub or a bar open to the public."

Residents report conflicting noise experiences

Residents provided starkly different accounts of the venue's impact. One resident who lives directly above The Haberdashery described an inescapable noise stress. They reported being affected by loud noise, thumping, music, and noisy patrons in all areas of their flat, with sound coming through the walls. They claimed planners were shocked by the proximity of the venue's windows to their home. Another nearby resident offered a contrasting view, stating that while general nightlife brought noise, they had never been disturbed by excessive sound from The Haberdashery specifically. This resident expressed concern that the building would become boarded up or turn into a vape shop if the venue closed.

Venue's current use and background

The Haberdashery operates with permission as a restaurant between noon and 11pm daily. The building was derelict before its transformation. During the hearing, councillors heard from the owners, objectors, and supporters. Co-owner Afton Ferguson warned that without consent for event use, The Haberdashery's doors will close. The venue now faces the risk of becoming another derelict or vacant property on Sauchiehall Street.