Pub granted licence despite police objection

Councillors have granted a licence for a pub despite police objections.

PC Heidi Underwood, for Cumbria Police, had objected to the transfer of the licence for The Black Lion pub in Durdar, south of Carlisle, over concerns the designated premises supervisor (DPS) was "stretching himself too thin".

The officer reported “serious concerns” current DPS Mark Winter would not be able to fulfil the role due to also being DPS for other venues.

However, a council licensing officer said Mr Winter ran his businesses efficiently.

Mr Winter is also named as the DPS at a number of premises in Carlisle, including Bar 32, Secret and The MadHatter.

The committee heard Mr Winter, pictured, ran his businesses efficiently

Mr Winter told members of Cumberland Council’s licensing sub-committee that when he lived in the Barnsley area he had been the DPS for a total of eight premises and had since moved on from The MadHatter.

He added: “The Black Lion hasn’t had any major incidents at all. I’ve owned that business since 18 November.”

The meeting at Allerdale House in Workington heard there was no limit on the number of premises one person could be the DPS for.

The licensing officer told the committee Mr Winter ran his businesses efficiently and added: “I think he runs a tight ship.”

Committee chairwoman and Labour councillor Jeanette Whalen said the sub-committee was satisfied that the licensing objectives will not be undermined by Mr Winter taking on the role of DPS.