Customer’s handbag theft forces pub licence review

A CITY centre pub is to have its licence reviewed after a complaint about a stolen handbag.

The Waterhouse is set to undergo a review next month after a member of the public lodged a complaint with Manchester council following the theft.

The review has been requested on the grounds of an alleged lack of crime prevention measures at the venue.

A spokesman for the popular Wetherspoon watering hole, which is near the town hall, said that it is unusual for a review to be carried out off the back of one incident, but says it will review security measures to see if any improvements can be made.

Documents requesting the review, seen by the M.E.N, note that a handbag was stolen at the Princess Street venue at the beginning of November.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon added: “The pub and area manager maintain a close relationship with police and bag thefts are not an issue that they have raised.

“We will liaise directly with the individual customer to see if we can address his concerns to resolve the review.

“We will always do our best to ensure customers do not experience theft when on our premises, such as CCTV and staff being vigilant, but like all busy public places, it is important people keep an eye on their belongings.”

The review is scheduled to be heard at the end of next month.

A Manchester city council spokesman said: “We can confirm a review of The Waterhouse’s licence has been requested by a member of the public in relation to their concerns over theft prevention measures at the premises.

“We would encourage any person with concerns over a particular venue to raise them with us in the first instance as there are a range of enforcement measures available for agencies that can be used, including the review process, which represents a key protection for our communities where problems arise.”