South Perth may get more small bars

By Lacey Holtfreter, 1 May 2011

The City of South Perth Council changed the land usage of a potential small bar site on Angelo Street from retail to cafe/restaurant yesterday, paving the way for more small wine bars.

This follows the decision by Council members to support a 300-strong petition in relation to small bar licences by an overwhelming 11-0 vote on the 22^nd of March.

The petition from Angelo Street business owners called for the Council to be “proactive” when supporting small bar licenses and the move to change the usage is a clear indication of that. 

South Perth City Council Planning Officer, Cameron Howell, said he has relayed to the site leaseholder that they have received the petition and hope they consider a small licensed venue.

“The petition shows that a large amount of the community clearly thinks it would be a good idea.

“They don’t want a standard cafe because there are enough of them on Angelo Street already,” Mr Howell said.

Angelo Street business owner and petition co-ordinator, Shona Reid, was very happy with the outcome of the town meeting and the subsequent change of usage.

Ms Reid said that she felt Angelo Street was being left behind in comparison to other shopping precincts such as Beaufort Street in Mt Lawley.

“I think it will keep the strip alive later into the day, it dies here in the evening.

“There is a couple of cafe and restaurants open but they don’t have any buzz or life about them,” said Ms Reid.

Kensington Police Sergeant Nicholas Harris said from a community policing point of view the size of the bar is the most important element that they need to consider.

“As it will be a small establishment it won’t attract huge crowds and be open late into the night, so it should not be a big issue,” Sergeant Harris said. 

Some South Perth residents oppose the idea of a small licensed venue on Angelo Street as they fear it will not add vibrancy to the street but rather attract anti-social behaviour.

Peter Pagoda, a resident for 13 years, said he did not sign the petition because he was concerned it could bring an undesirable element to the community.

“Angelo Street is a quiet residential area and a licensed venue may ruin that environment and impact on the safety of the residents,” Mr Pagoda said.