Bar closed following reports of criminal behaviour

Police said action needed to be taken following a number of reported incidents at Bar 23 in Peterlee

A bar linked to reports of violence, spiking and sexual assault has had its licence removed indefinitely.

Bar 23 in Peterlee, County Durham, was the subject of a review by Durham County Council following concerns from the police and local authorities.

Issues surrounding the venue’s ownership, management and safety were discussed at a licensing committee meeting in Durham on Tuesday.

Licensing officers told the hearing there was a lack of accountability and effective management at the bar on Burnhope Way, which also served as a restaurant.

Officers from the police and county council said they had tried to contact Reece Adamson, licence holder and Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), on numerous occasions, but he had not engaged with the process.

A response sent to the authorities in February stated his intention to step down from the roles, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

'Numerous incidents of violence'

Police were called to reports of a spiking and sexual assault incident at the venue on 10 December, 2023.

However, the alleged crime remains unsolved as the police are unable to access the venue’s CCTV footage.

Sgt Caroline Dickenson, of Durham Constabulary, said: “Following numerous incidents of violence, the refusal by staff to provide statements to the police and a seeming inability not only to operate the CCTV system, but have in place a fully operational CCTV system which adheres to the condition on their premises licence, Durham Constabulary fully support the decision in requesting a review of the premises licence."

Other reported incidents included criminal damage caused by a hammer, homophobic abuse and burglary.

'Lack of co-operation'

Licensing officer Nicola Anderson criticised the venue’s “evasive, cavalier attitude towards the authorities”.

She said the reported incidents contributed to a “lack of accountability and effective management” and said the licensing authority had "no confidence" in the ownership.

Councillor David Brown, chair of the licensing committee, said members were concerned by the serious incidents and repeated breaches of licensing conditions.

“They have hindered the investigation rather than help themselves,” he said.

“We have got no confidence in the running of this premises and have no other option but to revoke the licence with immediate effect.”