A bar had its premises licence suspended after the owners refused to co-operate with police following several episodes of violence.
A number of violent incidents inside The Lounge Bar in London Road, North Cheam, between November and May, led to police applying for a licensing review from
target="_blank">Sutton Council.
During that period, Sutton Police said the leaseholders refused to co-operate with officers, allegedly hampering their investigations.
The bar will now have to comply with orders such as closing at 11pm, with 30 minutes drinking up time, only having recorded background music and not allowing live music, DJs or karaoke, and stop showing televised sporting events, among others.
The premises licence was suspended for three months at Sutton Council’s licensing committee meeting last Monday.
The committee came to its decision after Sutton police’s licensing officers and Enterprise Inns, the freeholders of the Lounge Bar, both agreed to the suspension.
Licensing Sergeant Debbie Blight of Sutton police said the licensing committee decision had the full support of local residents.
She said: “Enterprise Inns must inform police of full details of the leaseholder before any new lease agreement is assigned.”
Supt Chas Bailey of Sutton Police said officers are taking a robust approach to ensure licensed premises comply with the conditions of their licence.
He said: “We are pleased the licensing committee have taken this decision because it means what became a late-night drinking venue will become a more normal bar environment enjoyed by a broader range of customers.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here