A County Durham bar’s bid to reopen with new rules after a double stabbing has been refused, writes Local Democracy Reporter Bill Edgar.
Aviator Sports and Live Lounge, in Newton Aycliffe, had its licence suspended after Durham Constabulary raised concerns following the incident in July.
Several proposed changes to the venue’s licence were rejected during a hearing at Durham County Hall.
Staff at the Aviator are accused of misleading the police following the incident at a private wake inside the venue on July 16.
A previous hearing was told that staff did not ring 999 and had interfered with the crime scene.
The venue denied obstructing the investigation and said the incident did not occur on their property.
Durham County Council’s licensing committee considered the venue’s proposal to reduce the opening hours and appoint a new designated premises supervisor (DPS), but turned it down ahead of a full hearing on August 13.
Marcus Lavell, defending, told the hearing: “Over the years it has been operating, [Aviator] has not had any issues with crime and disorder.
“This is not a premises that suffers from crime issues.”
Staff accepted hosting the wake may not have been the right decision, as “emotions can be high”, and vowed not to hold any similar events again in the future.
“These steps remove all the issues relating to this incident of violence,” Mr Lavell added but the police argued the venue should remain closed.
Paul Taylor, legal counsel representing Durham Constabulary, said: “We don’t believe that any change to the interim steps or of DPS at the stage would help the situation.
“The committee got it right the first time and there is no reason to change the decision.”
Confirming the council’s decision, Tim Robson, licensing chair, said: “The committee feels that the interim measures in place should stand, and the premises licence should be suspended and the DPS removed until a full hearing can be heard.”
A teenager has been charged with two counts of assault causing grievous bodily harm and remanded in custody.
Alfie Grimes, 18, will appear at Durham Crown Court on August 15.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
