The Playback Bar in Inverness that caught the public’s eye for offering axe-throwing and other activities has been granted a license to extend its opening hours to 3am on three nights of the week.
The venue will now open on “Thursday, Friday and Saturday” – presumably into the next day so closing at 3am between Friday and Sunday so it can host “a mix of DJs and bands along with dancing”.
Highland Council’s licensing board was completely satisfied that the business was being run correctly and properly and took very little time to agree the changes.
Councillor Sean Kennedy said: “It is a very, very well run establishment. The axe throwing is very well supervised and it stops by about 8pm so I don’t think you will get someone suddenly coming out with an axe and go screaming down Academy Street at 3am.
“I think in this day and age when bars have to think on their feet to keep surviving that it is a new entertainments venue in Inverness, it has not had any problems and I think things like this have got to be supported by the council.”
While board chairwoman Cllr Jackie Hendry added: “When we approved the axe-throwing we were very meticulous with the documentation and so long as the late night conditions apply then I would be happy to approve this.”
Playback on Academy Street is a concept dreamed up by businessmen Taran Campbell and David Montgomery which boasts three separate bars, self-service beer taps and an array of entertaining pursuits inside.
The bid to extend its hours did not get any objections after a standard procedure saw Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and NHS Highland contacted.
Highland Council’s community services (Environmental Health) and planning and building standards were also consulted on the application as was the local Community Council also resulting in no objections.
The venue was described as “a relatively new activities bar venue in Inverness city centre operated by Beyond Bar Inverness Ltd, having its licence confirmed in April 2024.
“To date the premises have a satisfactory operating history and currently trade on Monday to Thursday: 11.00 to 24.00; Friday to Saturday: 11.00 to 0100; Sunday: 11.00 to 24.00”.