Dolphin Centre licence plans could pave way for wrestling events in Darlington

Wrestling events could be staged at Darlington's Dolphin Centre under proposed changes to the venue's premises licence.

Darlington Borough Council has submitted an application to vary the leisure centre's licence, with the changes linked to a new entertainment venue being created inside the complex.

If approved, the variation would permit a range of activities including boxing and wrestling events, indoor sporting events, live and recorded music, dance performances and the sale of alcohol until 1am.

The application also seeks permission to extend the centre's licensable area to cover a new indoor entertainment space which will feature crazy golf, interactive darts and shuffleboard.

Council officials say the additional area will include a dedicated sales point serving hot and cold food as well as alcoholic drinks.

Under the proposals, the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, indoor sporting events, boxing and wrestling, live music, recorded music and dance performances would be permitted between 8am and 1am.

Late-night refreshments would be available from 11pm until 1am.

The application was submitted under the Licensing Act 2003 and has now been published, allowing residents and interested parties to comment.

While the prospect of wrestling events may catch the attention of residents, council officials said the licence variation is primarily intended to cover the operation of the new entertainment area and the activities planned within it.

In response to questions about the proposals, a council spokesperson said the new licensed area would cover the entertainment zone where indoor crazy golf, interactive darts and shuffleboard will take place.

The authority was also keen to stress that the proposed licensing hours do not represent an extension beyond those previously available at the venue.

A spokesperson said: "The 1am licensing request is actually a reduction to hours as our previous licence was until 2.30am."

The Dolphin Centre already hosts a range of sporting and leisure activities, including swimming, fitness classes and events, but the licence variation could pave the way for additional forms of entertainment in the future, including boxing and wrestling shows.

Members of the public have until November 17 to submit representations on the application in writing.

The register of licensing applications can be inspected at Darlington Town Hall between 10am and 4pm or viewed online via the council's website.