Permission is being sought to open a new restaurant and bar in Stevenage High Street, in premises formerly occupied by the ill-fated Lounge 72 cocktail bar.

A licensing application has been submitted to Stevenage Borough Council to open a bar until 3am, seven days a week, in premises currently vacant.

The applicant, a company trading as Rookery Yard, is hoping to open the new business venture from April 1.

An application has been made to the council for a licence which would allow the business to open from 7am until 3am, with permission to sell alcohol from 11am to 3am, and to play music between 8am and 3am.

A spokesperson for Rookery Yard has confirmed proposed closing times would be midnight Sunday to Wednesday, 2am on Thursdays, with last orders at 1.30 am, and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays with last orders at 2.30am.

Plans would see low-level background music played during the day, with amplified music later in the evening. 

The Rookery Yard spokesperson added: "For the late hour bar and social dance space our target demographic will consist of individuals seeking a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on nostalgia through music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s."

The application explains that "operations at the premises would be a restaurant one end and late bar the other end, with music."

It continues: "Sales of coffees early morning, followed by lunch and dinner up to 11pm, followed by bar area opening between 11pm and 3am," with "amplified" music.

The premises was previously occupied by Lounge 72 - a cocktail bar that permanently closed in May last year after its premises licence was revoked by Stevenage Borough Council.

The applicant is in no way affiliated with the previous Lounge 72 business.