Hastings Pier owner Abid Gulzar has submitted plans to split the attraction’s licence into three, with two new applications seeking to designate the event space and “middle building” as separate premises.

If approved, the proposals would allow each part of the pier to operate under its own conditions, opening hours and Designated Premises Supervisor, and theoretically give Gulzar greater freedom to hold events.

“Both applications seek permission for a range of licensed activities, including performances of live music and the sale of alcohol,” reported the Sussex Express. “The applications had initially sought the ability to conduct all of these activities until midnight, seven days a week.”

 “These would have mostly applied from 8am for the events space and from 10am for the middle building. The proposed hours of operation have been amended, with most of the activities now expected to cease at 11pm.”

Though the council’s planning department has noted that the pier would need to secure separate planning permission before these hours of operation could be approved, council officers have already begun to engage with Gulzar on the events programme.

“The applicant (in negotiations with council officers) has agreed to limit the pier to holding no more than 20 large events each year, which the report notes would be held over 10 weekends.”