Bar shuts after losing licence for second time

The venue in Consett first lost its licence in January

A bar which temporarily lost its licence following a stabbing has lost a court appeal to stay open.

Two people were injured in the attack at Bar 1 in Consett, County Durham, on 27 December, but it was allowed to reopen after an appeal.

Peterlee Magistrates' Court has now ruled to revoke its licence again due to "a further serious incident" reported on 16 March.

Owner Jody Armstrong had introduced safety measures, but the court said it had “no confidence” that varying the licence conditions would protect safety.

Ms Armstrong said she has been "going through hell" ever since the December stabbing and revealed Bar 1 had closed.

In a video statement posted online, she said: "Bar 1 is no more. I’m absolutely devastated, that bar is my life and I know everybody else loves coming.

"Hate us or love us, I’ve overcome almost every hurdle thrown at us. This is not what I wanted to happen but, unfortunately, it’s the end of the road."

A Durham County Council licensing committee was told police believed the venue was a threat to public safety, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Court papers said a the latest incident at the club "escalated out of control, yet again putting people at risk".

Ms Armstrong was ordered to pay £4,500 in costs to Durham County Council.