Bar war over early opening
A city bar’s bid to sell alcohol up to 6am has been opposed by Northumbria Police over concerns assaults and drunken behaviour could rise.
Next week, Sunderland City Council’s (SCC) licensing sub-committee will rule on an application for 24 Vine Place, in Sunderland city centre.
The space has changed hands several times in recent years and was last occupied by German-themed venue, Bavaria.
New owners now want to sell alcohol from midnight 3am from Sunday to Thursday, and from midnight-6am on Friday and Saturday, alongside providing live and recorded music.
Although licensing times were amended between Sunday to Thursday on request, police are calling for the application to be rejected in its current form.
Chief Inspector of Southern Area Command, Christopher Grice, outlined reasons for the objection in a statement submitted to SCC.
“Northumbria Police believe that crime and disorder, anti-social behaviour, public nuisance and vulnerability issues will increase within the city centre if this application is granted in its current form,” he said.
“Northumbria Police also believe that this application will lead not only to assaults but also an increase in public order offences, disorderly conduct and drunken behaviour.”
Northumbria Police could remove its objection if licensing hours for alcohol are restricted to 3am every day.
Applicant Chris Bungoni, responded: “I don’t agree with what the police believe a new late-night venue will bring to the city. This city can’t develop if the council are going to rule in favour of police speculation.
“We’re playing a part in the city’s aspirations to expand culture and improve the local entertainment and leisure industries.
“The venue is going to bring more life and diversity into the city just like current venue P’s & Q’s, which has been open one year in July 2018 which has zero incident logs with Northumbria Police.”
The final decision will be made by councillors on Tuesday, June 19.
“This city can’ t develop if the council are going to rule in favour of police speculation” CHRIS BUNGONI