Carlisle: Truth nightclub's licence revoked after underage concerns

Police told the hearing there had been ongoing issues with Truth since it opened in 2022

A Carlisle nightclub has had its licence revoked over underage drinking concerns.

Cumberland Council heard officials had tried, but failed, to hold meetings with a supervisor from Truth nightclub.

Councillors said there had been "a complete lack of knowledge or awareness of the licensing objectives".

They voted unanimously to revoke its premises licence, citing the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the protection of children.

A premises licence is required in England and Wales for a venue to sell alcohol or offer entertainment.

The licensing sub-committee spent more than two hours deliberating on Wednesday.

The committee's chairwoman, Labour's Jeanette Whalen, said: "The committee has considered the other options open to them and they do not consider that the removal of the designated premises supervisor (DPS) and the proposed new conditions would rectify the problems that are occurring."

Ms Whalen said that a number of meetings with the supervisor had been attempted, between March and July 2023, but they had been unsuccessful.

"Having considered the CCTV, transcripts and evidence given by the manager of the premises at today's hearing it is clear that there has been a complete lack of knowledge or awareness of the licensing objectives and the importance these when running a licenced premises," she added.

"It is a premises holder's responsibility to employ staff that adhere to promoting the licensing objectives on their behalf."

'Tottering around drunk'

During the hearing it emerged that the premises manager was not fully aware of her responsibilities under the conditions of the licence, had only recently passed the Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) qualification.

She was shortly due to take courses in first aid and door supervision, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

PC Heidi Underwood, from Cumbria Constabulary, told the hearing there had been ongoing issues with Truth since it opened in 2022. In September, there were 18th birthday parties on two consecutive nights where underage customers were at the premises in Englishgate Plaza, Botchergate, she said.

PC Underwood said a 16-year-old girl was found in the area "tottering" around in an intoxicated condition and she confirmed to officers that she had been drinking at Truth that evening.

A Truth spokesman said no alcohol was served at under-18 events that took place at the premises, so there was no breach of the licence.

"The police did not go into the premises to check whether alcohol was being sold [to those who were underage]," he said.

He also said that the current DPS had "failed in his duties" and they would find a qualified replacement.