Union Bar, Stratford-upon-Avon Licensing Appeal update

In February Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Licensing Panel took the decision to suspend the premises licence of Union Bar in Stratford-upon-Avon for a period of one month, together with the imposition of a number of other licence conditions.  

The Licensing Panel had considered this was appropriate to promote public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder. It followed concerns that had been raised by the Environmental Health Authority, Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Licensing Authority, the District Council Ward Member for the Welcombe ward and local residents.  

Union Bar appealed this decision.  

In the run-up to the appeal, the premises licence holder accepted all the points in the District Council's Licensing Panel's decision - a new Designated Premises Supervisor; reduced hours for certain licensable activities; capacity limit; upper outside licensed area and beer garden to be closed and vacated by 11pm, apart from up to 10 people at any one time smoking in the beer garden; mobile barriers on the street after 9pm and all the other conditions the Licensing Authority and the Police suggested including a noise limiter installed and set to the satisfaction of the Environmental Health Authority.   

The premises licence holder also agreed to pay all the District Council's costs.  

In light of this the Licensing Panel has agreed to reduce the 4-week suspension to a 2-week suspension.  

Cllr Susan Adams, Licensing Panel Chair says: "This case has shown that 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.

"The Union Bar have worked hard to address all our concerns and have agreed to implement all the licensing conditions imposed by the Panel. We recognise that significant efforts have been made by the business owner to make changes in order to help prevent public nuisance and protect the safety of the public.

"The only sticking point was regarding the 4-week suspension period and a compromise has been reached."

The 2-week suspension will now be implemented from Monday 19 June.