A COCKTAIL bar is to expand after securing a new licence thanks to Sintons partner and licensing specialist Sarah Smith.

Mimo opened for business in Pudding Chare near Newcastle Central Station a year ago serving rum-based cocktails in a Miami beach-inspired setting with a stylised beach terrace. It is a joint venture between bar operator and hotelier Tony Knox and entrepreneur and singer Recardo Patrick.

The second phase of their plan is to develop a much larger first floor of the building, which runs across the top of Revolution bar.

However, this required a new premises licence to permit alcohol sales and entertainment at first floor level, so they sought the help of Smith.

The application was complicated because the premises are within the special stress area of the cumulative impact policy area as defined by Newcastle City Council’s licensing policy. Therefore, if any objection was made to the application, the licence would only be granted in exceptional circumstances. Smith convinced the police and council environmental health officers that the bar had a good record, with only one reported incident in its first year of trading. It was therefore granted a licence despite two local residents raising concerns.

Mr Knox said: “I have a longstanding relationship with Sarah who is an expert in her field. All we can do is make the most convincing application we can.

“After that we then rely on an enlightened approach from authorities to recognise that new independent businesses can benefit the city.”

Ms Smith said: “We were delighted to help Tony and Recardo in achieving the licence they needed to enhance their business.

“Any application in the special stress area is difficult but with careful deliberation and discussion it can be achieved. It is vital for successful businesses to be able to enhance their operations in these difficult times.

“The council policies are not there to restrict development of business but to prevent any negative impact on the licensing objectives.”