City Centre Bar Sotto Faces License Review Over Crime Concerns

Sotto, a bar on Wood Street, is being looked at by the council. They are reviewing its license because of alleged issues. These issues relate to potential crime and disorder.

The bar is a live music venue and can currently stay open until 4am daily. Sotto will appear before a city panel, where they will discuss potential breaches of licensing rules concerning crime prevention and child protection. Police raised concerns about possible problems.

Sotto, a European-style basement bar, opened in 2022. Its license allows it to operate from 10am to 4am every day, and they can also host live music during those hours.

Sotto needs to check IDs for anyone under 18, as per their license, to protect children. The bar has events planned, including a “retro electro” night that starts at 11pm and runs until 4am. This Friday, starting February 21, will have the event; the venue holds 100 people and can serve alcohol until 4am too.

The council confirmed the review on February 11. A public hearing date hasn’t been set yet, and people who want to comment must email by March 10.

Making a false statement during an application is illegal, and the fine can be up to £5,000. Police officers will likely present their case next month, after which a panel of three councillors will hear it.

The ECHO contacted Sotto’s representative for comments.