A BID to extend trading hours at a North Perth small bar was knocked back by Vincent councillors at this week’s council meeting.

La Mortazza, at 500 Fitzgerald Street, had sought approval to stay open until 9pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Currently, it operates daily from 7am to 5pm as a café and transitions to a small bar in the afternoon.

The proposal aimed to attract a dinner crowd by extending evening service, but the premises sits beneath a residential apartment block and is surrounded by homes, raising concerns about noise and amenity.

Cafe/bar director Raffaella D’Alonzo told councillors some neighbours had misunderstood their attention.

“I would like to clearly state once again that we have no intention to become a pub,” she said.

“I started this business from the ground, driven by the desire to bring to Perth what I missed the most; a happy and vibrant place that makes people feel as if they have stopped in Italy.

“This is the essence of who we are, and it is what has made us a much loved part of the community.

“I’m Raffaella, the face of this business; I’m very passionate.

“I’m a young mother, an entrepreneur, and someone who has always been known and trusted in our community.

“This long and difficult process has begun to take a toll on my passion, but I’m still here trying – please try to understand where I’m coming from.”

Neighbours have been split over the application, with Alex from North Perth telling the council it was a “cheeky” bid as the cafe regularly breached its operating hours, opening early and running late with live music.

Claudia lives in one of the 20 units that surround the cafe and is disappointed to come home after work to find La Mortazza has had to close.

“Having the convenience of being able to attend after work, maybe getting a quick bite after work, would be very lovely,” she said.

“I think that they are nothing but welcoming to everyone in the building.”

Council officers recommended refusal, stating the application clashed with the area’s residential zoning and the City’s sound attenuation policy. An acoustic report lodged with the proposal confirmed the venue would not meet noise regulations during the extended hours.

Council found that allowing evening trading would introduce a new noise profile inconsistent with the residential character of the area, especially during quieter evening periods when surrounding activity dies down.

by STEVE GRANT