Peace has broken out between a restaurant and one of Dundee’s best-known music venues over loud music complaints which threatened the venue’s future.
Non-Zero’s in Castle Street was hauled before the city council’s licensing board earlier this year following complaints from the operators of the Castle Grill which is situated underneath the venue.
However, a change in ownership has resulted in friendly relations between the two businesses.
Now called Jack & Jones, serving Tex-Mex and international cuisine, the restaurant’s owners have told Non-Zero’s manager Dave Neill they have experienced no problems so far.
The situation began when the previous restaurant operator, who had only taken over the premises late last year, had complained about excessive noise.
Mr Neill was told by the board in June that he should use the time between then and its September meeting to mediate with the restaurant to see if a compromise can be found.
That news sparked a storm of support for Non-Zero’s from the music scene, with more than 1,000 people joining a Facebook campaign within days and bands playing charity fundraising gigs to raise money to pay for soundproofing.
Now, relations have improved to the extent Dave and Jack & Jones manager Michael Easton were happy to shake hands on the entente cordial.
Dave said: “It’s a big relief for us. The previous owner just did not want anything to do with us.
“He really made it difficult but the new owners are great. We’ve talked a lot about it and he says there is no problem. We’ve had bands on and he said it wasn’t anything bad.
“We’re still working towards improving the sound-proofing. That’s ongoing so we’re trying to make sure we don’t interfere with his business either.
“We’ve got their flyers upstairs to give to customers and bands and punters are already taking advantage of the new, friendlier facilities after a virtual boycott of the Castle Grill.”
He continued: “We can each promote Castle Street and bring more people into the street, which feels more like a community now that we are all communicating.”
It is understood the matter will, however, still have to come before the September board meeting for consideration.