Bar fighting closure bid opens doors

A TROUBLED Dean Street bar has been allowed to reopen this weekend as it fights a council bid to shut it down for good.

Glass House was stripped of its licence in May, after complaints from city authorities over noise, “ineffective” management, and fears over children’s safety.

Newcastle City Council bosses had complained that the bar’s management repeatedly ignored orders to stop playing loud music at the bar last year, while also offering cheap drinks deals and free shots.

They insisted it has failed to fulfil its billing as a quiet wine and champagne bar – instead promoting parties with Geordie Shore and Love Island stars. But owners launched an appeal against the removal of the licence, arguing they could run the bar safely and responsibly.

With the appeal in place, Glass House is allowed to trade, but the imposition of the Covid-19 lockdown meant it has not been able to open its doors until now.

Manager Gwan Mohammad said council officials had made a second visit on Friday and confirmed opening yesterday would be safe.

A council spokesperson said: “The Glass House is appealing against a decision by the licensing committee to revoke its licence. Until that appeal is heard it is allowed to trade.

“Following a meeting [on Friday] with environmental health officers and the licensing authority it will reopen having given assurances it will manage social distancing.”