Flight Club darts bar to open in Cardiff despite stag do concerns

A new darts bar is set to open in Cardiff city centre despite concerns over anti-social behaviour.

Flight Club is going to open a venue on the former site of the Beanfreaks herbal remedy shop and Creams dessert cafe in St Marys Street.

The bar expects to create 35 full-time jobs and 15 part-time jobs at the site, including five managers.

Despite plans being approved by Cardiff Council, there are concerns from three councillors that the new bar will lead to anti-social behaviour, as well as alcohol related incidents from stag and hen do parties.

Labour councillor Norma Mackie, along with Chris Weaver and Sarah Merry, objected to the plans over fears the bar could bring more stag and hen dos to the area.

She said: "We have concerns that it will create more anti-social behaviour in the area. We also fear that it will attract mainly stag and hen parties who will spill out on to the street becoming a danger to others.

"Cardiff Council have a new Cumulative impact policy to new licensed premises, expecting all licence applications to be rejected unless they show they are exceptional in promoting the licensing objectives and it is hard to see how this application can do that.

"It is wrong to lose shops in favour of more drinking establishments and this club is likely to take a stretched police presence away from the now area of anti-social behaviour."

Flight Club already has venues in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and Leeds.

In their plan they stated: “Leisure opportunities and social interaction are important roles in such a city centre, including a successful and diverse night economy.

“A vibrant and viable centre is distinguished by a variety of activities and uses that should contribute to the centre well-being and success.”