Council ‘breaking the back of our business’

THE owner of a popular bar in Omagh has accused the local council of ‘breaking the back’ of his business.

Mark O’Connor, proprietor of the Copper Tap, once again took to social media to highlight scrutiny from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council over the bar’s ‘Summer Sessions’ events.

The Kildress native was responding to a second letter from the council regarding outdoor concerts at the venue.

Previously, the council said it was investigating a ‘number of complaints’ relating to the outdoor events.

In the most recent correspondence dated July 27, the council queried whether there was overcrowding inside the premises.

In a letter, the council said it became aware from social media posts that a Nathan Carter concert on the previous Saturday was planned for outdoors, but then moved into the Copper Tap premises due to inclement weather conditions.

It added that the indoor Entertainment Licence was for a maximum capacity of 140 for the ground floor and 110 for the first floor, and that the maximum occupancy capacity for outdoors was set at 820.

‘If the number of people in attendance at the indoor event matched the maximum capacity of 820 for the outdoor licence then these numbers are well in excess of those permitted indoor for the Copper Tap premises, where the event was subsequently held,’ the letter from the council stated.

The letter then went on to remind the venue that exceeding the number is a breach of its Entertainments Licence.

However, in a statement published online, Mr O’Connor, said the number of attendees at the event was 222 people, and that this can be shown from the ticketing system and CCTV.

‘almost at capacity’

He added that the venue was ‘almost at capacity’ last Saturday night.

“This is breaking the back of our business,” he said.

“We are event led, we will never compromise your safety at any cost.

“Hospitality is not thriving, we, like every other hospitality business, fight for your custom. Every penny you spend with us we appreciate.”

Mr O’Connor said the Nathan Carter night was ‘without doubt one of the most difficult nights’ that the Copper Tap has had to manage.

“We removed tables out of the venue earlier in the day to ensure greater flow of attendees,” he added.

“Every emergency exit of the building was manned for the entirety of the night. We brought in extra security and stewards to deal with and manage the flow of people.”