A BAR in Stratford which showed ‘scant regard for public safety’ has seen its premise licence suspended for one month.
Stratford District Council Licensing Panel took action against Union Bar on Guild Street after a review of licence requirements relating to public nuisance, public safety and crime and disorder.
Panel chair Susan Adams said: “The district council considers licensing issues seriously as well as public safety and welfare. Members of the public are entitled to enjoy a night out in a safe environment and that is what the panel is keen to endorse.
“After hearing representations from a number of parties the licensing panel was greatly concerned by the scant regard for public safety shown by the management and owners of the premises together with the uncontrolled noise coming from the premises and unqualified and untrained staff, creating a recipe for disaster.
“Whilst the panel recognised that significant and helpful efforts have been made by the business owner to make changes to the licence and working practices in order to help prevent public nuisance and protect the safety of the public, the panel took the decision to suspend the premises licence for one month.
“The panel hope that during this period the owners of the Union Bar will be able to complete and implement the findings of the fire assessment; the new manager, due to start at the beginning of March, will be able to train all staff; an Environmental Protection Officer from the district council will have been able to set and test a functioning noise limiter, all leading to the venue operating in a safe and proper manner.”
The suspension came with a number of other licence conditions – including reducing opening hours and the number of customers allowed inside.
* The panel is also set to review the licence for Bamboodle Bar and Grill on Union Street.
It follows concerns raised relating to public safety and noise. The panel is set to discuss the matter next Thursday (March 2).
