Bar set to shut for 3 months after licence pulled
ALATE night town centre bar is set to close for THREE MONTHS after councillors suspended its licence.
Members of Hyndburn Council’s licensing subcommittee heard last week how a breakdown of management at IBar had led to a series of serious assaults, including one incident where as many as 20 people were involved in a brawl outside the bar.
Alleged offences including rapes, assault and drug dealing were linked to the premises, the hearing was told.
They were told police have made regular visits to the bar but say little progress had been made on concerns brought up by officers.
Sgt Gary Hennighan said there were concerns over people being served while heavily drunk and
over security, violence, and breach of conditions by music being played after hours and alleged drug dealing in the bars.
Bravo Inns said they are considering the council’s decision ‘ very carefully’ and that no suspension will come into effect for 21 days.
A Hyndburn Council spokesman said: “Following an application for a review of the premise licence from the Lancashire Constabulary in relation to the IBar in Accrington the authority has made a decision to suspend the licence for a period of three months to allow the premise licence holder to get its house in order.
“The committee also resolved to add additional conditions to the licence and to reduce the opening hours of the venue.
“At the hearing held on July 3, the committee heard evidence from the police that there had been a complete breakdown of management at the premise and that it had been associated with crime and disorder.
“This was in spite of the fact that the premise had been issued with an action plan by the police and licensing officers six months prior to the application for review being submitted which had not resulted in any of the requested actions being put in place.
“The committee said that they were satisfied that the licensing objectives relating to crime and disorder and public safety had not been upheld at the premise and that the late opening hours had led to people who were heavily intoxicated migrating to the premise where they had continued being served.
“This was reflected in the peak in incidents reported by the police which had undermined the licensing objectives relating to crime and disorder and public nuisance.”
Representing IBar owners Bravo Inns at the hearing, Michelle Hazlewood, of John Gaunt and Partners, had said a plan was in place to enforce stricter measures in a bid to crack down on problems.
That included imposing a 4am last entry rule with the bar to be shut by 5am. Ms Hazlewood added more stringent searches would be carried out by door staff, especially on female customers, in a bid to stamp out issues with drugs.
And a smoking area would be introduced outside the bar where no drinks would be allowed in a bid to make the area more controlled.
Speaking after the council’s decision was announced, Bravo Inns managing director Harvey Nurse told the Observer: “We are considering the decision very carefully and our next steps.
“We have got a 21-day period of grace and certainly for now it’s business as usual. If nothing changes and we don’t appeal then it would be binding.”