Bar has licence revoked following serious violence

A Peterborough city centre bar has had its Premises Licence revoked following recent instances of serious violence.

Last month, the force made an application under section 53a of the Licensing Act 2003 for Peterborough City Council to expedite a review of Bar 42's licence which allows a venue to serve alcohol to customers.

Despite licensing officers from both the council and police advising the premises over many months, concerns escalated.

Incidents include a serious sexual assault on a woman within the Broadway bar in November last year and two instances of serious violence taking place last month (11 and 20 July), with the latest incident resulting in a man being hospitalised with a bleed on the brain.

The application was submitted to the council’s Regulatory Services Licensing team who is responsible for issuing licences for the provision of music, late night refreshments and the sale of alcohol at more than 500 permanent venues in Peterborough.

During a full licensing review hearing held at Peterborough Town Hall yesterday (Tuesday), Peterborough City Council’s Licensing subcommittee members decided the Premises Licence for Bar 42 will be revoked.

Inspector Sam Tucker, from Peterborough’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We note the decision of the committee and believe there was no option but to take this action following the recent incidents which have been of such severity and violence.

“We have worked with the licence holder with advice being given to address issues, however we were still concerned for public safety within the venue which is why this application was made and ultimately resulted in the licence being revoked.”

Councillor Dennis Jones, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “Our utmost priority is ensuring the safety of the public when they visit licensed premises in Peterborough and in this instance, the sub committee’s decision is the correct and appropriate action to take. 

“I hope the decision also serves as a warning to any licensed premises that we will look took appropriate action whenever we become aware of serious licence breaches.”

The bar will have a right to appeal the decision and has been advised accordingly.