By MEGAN OGLE
A LOCAL taxi driver has come to the defence of a popular night spot in Noosa Heads, while council considers the fate of the restaurant’s outdoor area.
Popular Noosa Heads restaurant Village Bicycles has come under recent scrutiny after various noise complaints from nearby residents have sparked council to consider restrictions on noise and outdoor seating.
Resident and taxi driver Len Harris said he agreed with the council’s concerns and possible solutions to the complaints, including noise buffers and restricted outdoor seating, but said young people’s needs had to be considered.
“Workers who work night shift need to relax with friends and not take their work frustrations home,” he said.
“It takes some time to unwind and I therefore recommend that every night trading should go to 2am.”
Mr Harris said the nightly hot spot was also frequented by backpackers from the nearby hostel and that Village Bicycles provided an opportunity for young people from all over the world to meet and “learn to understand each other”.
Mr Harris also said improvements could be made to the location, rather than hindrances, to support and develop the well-attended bar.
“For safety, parking at the front could be improved and restricted to taxis, drop-off/pick-up zones and loading zones,” he said.
“Clients can then more safely access a taxi without having to walk across or near the roundabout.”
The matter is still with council.
