All you need to know...

What is a closure notice?

High ranking police officers and councils can issue closure notices to shut bars for 48 hours if they are satisfied someone is involved with criminal behaviour or disorder inside the venue, which is likely to cause harm or serious nuisance to members of the public.

They can also issue the notices if they are convinced there is – or there is likely to be – disorder associated with the use of the bar.

Magistrates then have to decide whether to turn the 48-hour notice into a closure order.

So what happens next and how long could the bars be shut?

South Tyneside JPs will make a judgement on the notice today. If they are satisfied with the police’s case, they can issue a closure order and shut the venues for up to three months, which can be extended to six.

A court must hear a closure notice within 48 hours of it being issued.

The court can extend the closure notice beyond 48 hours – without issuing a closure order – if it is satisfied that the venue is or will be associated with nuisance to the public.

Could the bars open again this weekend?

Yes, if magistrates do not issue a closure order, extend the period of the closure notice, or adjourn the hearing.

As it stands, the four venues are only forced to shut for 48 hours, from Monday night. So they could reopen as soon as today.

Can the bars appeal?

Yes, if magistrates approve the application for a closure order, the four venues can appeal that decision.