French restaurant given nod for live music, despite unhappy neighbour

Jul 26 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A FAIR City restaurant will be allowed to celebrate important dates in the French calendar with live music, despite an objection from a neighbour.

South Street French eaterie Pig’halle which is owned by Montmartre Limited, was given approval for four events per year, which will see diners enjoy piano or accordion music between 7pm and 9.30pm.

But David Hunter, objecting on behalf of his wife-to-be who owns the flat directly above the restaurant, has “major concerns” over the proposal.

The environmental engineer told Perth and Kinross Council’s licensing board that there was insufficient soundproofing between the premises and his fiance’s flat, where he has lived for a year.

He said: “When these evenings are on, we’d have to leave the flat.

“As property owners we are looking at the valuation when we sell it on to the next owner.

“As soon as you say four times per year, it could then go to 12 and then to 24. Where does it go from there?

“In five years time who is to say it won’t turn into an American rock diner?

“It will be a short-term gain for the restaurant but it would have a longer-term impact on us if we are the property owners for the next 20 years. It isn’t critical to their business.”

Board member George Hayton quipped: “I suppose if you had 62 people singing ‘La Marseillaise’ it could be a problem.”

But his comment provoked an immediate response from Julien Mouly, a partner in Montmartre, who said: “Even if we were that busy, we’d be very lucky if everyone knew the lyrics to ‘La Marseillaise’.

“Although I understand the point, this isn’t a theatre. It is a restaurant.”

Asked by substitute convenor Willie Wilson if he would be happy with the number of events being capped at 12 per year, Mr Mouly said: “We don’t have that many dates to celebrate on the French calendar.

“If it suits yourselves, I’d be quite happy to put a block on it at four.”

Montmartre’s lawyer Mr Williams added: “The application is reasonable and the objection should be unfounded as any extension would have to come back to yourselves for approval.”

Councillor Wilson approved the bid with three local conditions attached: instruments are not amplified, the entertainment will run between 7pm-9.30pm and there will be a maximum of four each year.

He added: “We have given the matter detailed consideration and there is no question about the running of the restaurant.

“If the applicant wants to change these conditions then they’d have to come back and it would be considered on its own merits. Up to four per year isn’t unreasonable.

“We don’t want to force Mr Hunter or his wife-to-be out of their home.

“Maybe they could negotiate themselves a good discount at these four times per year.”