Date for 'devastated' wedding venue licence review

Casa Brighouse is to have its licence suspension reviewed by Calderdale Council

A date has been set for a hearing to review the premises licence of a bar and wedding venue that has been shut due to "serious crime and disorder".

Casa Brighouse had its licence suspended by Calderdale Council and is unable to sell alcohol or hold events after police arrested a man on suspicion of abstracting electricity.

The venue's owners said they were "deeply devastated by what had occurred" and stated that part of the building where crime was alleged to have occurred was leased to a third party.

The council will hear representations about licence holder Castelite Ltd at a meeting in Halifax on 3 September.

The review has been requested by West Yorkshire Police and follows a temporary suspension of the licence

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the licence suspension review had been requested by West Yorkshire Police, who considered the premises at Elland Road, Brighouse, to be "connected with serious crime".

Councillors could decide to take a range of actions which include further suspending the licence for a period of no more than three months, modifying the licence conditions permanently, or fully revoking it.

They could also remove the premises supervisor from their post if evidence led members to consider problems at the business were the result of poor management.

Casa Brighouse's function suite was temporarily closed in April 2023 after issues with raw sewage overflows at the site.

The venue was also fined nearly £100,000 in December 2015 when a balcony collapsed, injuring five people.

Casa's management said on 20 August: "We are aware of the recent speculation surrounding criminal activity in close proximity to Casa. While it is true that we own the building itself, it is important to clarify that the premises in question are leased out to a third party company that is entirely separate from Casa. We want to assure our customers, team, and the wider community that we had no involvement in the events that have unfolded.

"At this time, our focus is on moving forward, continuing to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our customers and team, and upholding the values that Casa stands for.

"Our commitment to our customers and long-standing team members remains unwavering. We are fully cooperating with the local council, West Yorkshire Police, and the licensing authorities to ensure that all necessary measures are taken.

"Thank you for your continued support during this challenging time."

They added that the restaurant would remain open but alcohol would not be available.

The licence review hearing is due to take place at Halifax Town Hall on 3 September from14:00 BST.

An appeal against the suspension was lodged on 15 August but it was upheld.

No evidence from the licence holder or their legal representatives had been submitted at the time of the licensing report's preparation.

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