Bar licence saved after police call for review

Ipswich Borough Council's licensing and regulatory committee met to discuss SupperClub in the town

A town bar has had its licence saved after police called for a review.

Ipswich Borough Council met to discuss the future of SupperClub, in Tacket Street, after Suffolk Police said it had been called out to 21 incidents there over the past 12 months.

The owner's solicitor said the business was not aware of many of the incidents reported and the force had a duty to not "dress up allegations" when it impacted someone's livelihood.

The council decided the business could keep its licence, but with some modifications.

Two particular incidents from October made the bulk of the constabulary's review application.

The first, on 13 October, related to a fight between six men, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, Mr Ian Seeley, the owner's solicitor, argued there was no police evidence provided, stressing two men were banned from the premises.

In the second incident on 20 October, councillors were told the owner of the club, Mr Ervin Hyso, confronted a customer because he was banned from the premises and a fight ensued with CCTV shown.

Asked about his behaviour, Mr Hyso said he was "not perfect" and did not recognise himself in the footage.

"It's never going to happen again, I'm working on myself," he said. "I am ready to do anything to make this place better."

Three men were arrested for affray and a two-day closure order was issued. A police investigation is ongoing.

Several other incidents were mentioned in the police's review application, including an allegation of sexual assault.

Licence modifications

Addressing this issue, as well as other incidents within the police's report, Mr Seeley said the owner did not know of many of the incidents mentioned, stressing the force had not requested CCTV footage.

Sgt Steven Wright, who submitted the review application and was at the meeting, said the force had submitted details of incidents to provide a balanced view.

He added: "We don't investigate everything, it's a simple fact - but that doesn't mean to say it hasn't happened."

Modifications of the licence included requiring three door staff on Friday and Saturday, sending out a letter warning about future behaviour and suggesting better cooperation with the police.

The last change to the licence was to replace the dedicated premises supervisor, which had already been done.