Police have opposed a pub’s plea to reintroduce glasses amid concerns over violent incidents, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
Staff at the Sportsmans Inn, Bishop Auckland, have applied to remove a requirement for all drinks to be sold in plastic cups.
The restriction was added to the Market Street venue’s licence in 2024 after two serious incidents, where a suspect is alleged to have used a glass as a weapon.
Durham Constabulary ordered the pub to immediately close last year due to the severity of the incidents.
A report read: “The first incident occurred on June 1 and was reported by ambulance at 3:10am, and due to the level of injury, was investigated as a section 20 assault, which is wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm.
“The second incident occurred on August 4 and was reported by one of the victims. This incident was not reported by the venue despite the then [supervisor] being aware of it. Three victims received injuries consistent with a section 18 assault, which is wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
“The intent was due to the suspect using a glass as a weapon to inflict serious injuries on the victims. This investigation is currently with CPS, awaiting a charging decision.”
Police said no further violent incidents have been reported at the pub since it introduced polycarbonate glasses in September 2024.
Sergeant Caroline Dickenson added: “The use of polycarbonate glasses not only ensures patrons of the venue are safeguarded but offers safety to staff and door supervisors from being attacked with glasses.
“Following the submission of this application, conversations have taken place between Durham Constabulary and representatives of the business, whereby we have expressed our concerns around the removal of polycarbonate glasses, as there is no evidence available to us of how the business will be operated, especially when the business is trading on a weekend up to 3am.”
The force also objected to the pub’s plea to reduce its doorstaff requirements. The pub is currently required to provide up to four members of door staff on Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm until close at 3am. However, the owners want to alter the licence to only use them when needed at busy times.
Durham County Council’s licensing sub-committee will consider the application at a hearing on Thursday (November 13). Representatives from the Sportsmans Inn are due to respond to the force’s concerns.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
