Carlisle's Truth nightclub licence switch refused over safety fears

Councillors heard there had been issues with Truth nightclub since its 2022 opening

A police objection to a nightclub licence transfer has been upheld over fears it was a rebranding exercise.

The licence for Carlisle's Truth nightclub was revoked by Cumberland Council last month amid concerns over underage drinking and public safety.

The company behind the venture, Truth Enterprises, was wound up with an application made to transfer the licence to a firm called B&2.

Councillors heard the companies had the same two directors.

'Clear concern'

No representatives from the nightclub were present at the latest hearing, on Friday, but PC Heidi Underwood, of Cumbria Police, told councillors Truth Enterprises had "failed to comply with the premises licence conditions".

She added: "Given that the company directors for B&2 are identical to Truth Enterprises, Cumbria Police have no reason to believe that the premises will be managed in a responsible manner."

At last month's hearing when Truth's premises licence was revoked, councillors were told there had been issues with the venue since it opened in 2022.

Thee meeting heard that in September last year, 18th birthday parties had been held on two consecutive nights with underage customers present, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

On one of those evenings a 16-year-old girl had been found "tottering" around in an intoxicated condition having been drinking at Truth earlier in the evening.

A spokesman for the venue had 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 previously said.

It is understood last month's decision to revoke the venue's licence is being appealed and a hearing is due to be heard at Carlisle Magistrates' Court in March.

Upholding the police objection on Friday, chairwoman Jeanette Whalen said the committee unanimously refused the transfer of the premises licence, citing officers' "clear concern" about the premises being run by the same directors.