A TOWN CENTRE bar shut after an appeal brought against a closure order was withdrawn earlier this month.

Mollie’s bar on Duke Street, St Helens faced a review of its premises licence last autumn after Merseyside Police raised concerns it was linked to crime and disorder.

St Helens Borough Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee took the decision to revoke the licence after hearing the evidence.

The bar, however, remained open after mounting an appeal that was due to go through the courts.

The council has since confirmed this appeal has been withdrawn and the decision to strip the venue of its licence has come into force.

In a statement Cllr Jeanie Bell, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities at the council, said:  "The appeal was withdrawn by the premises on February 8, 2022.  

“As such, the decision of the Licensing Sub-Committee in October 2021 has taken effect and the premise's licence has been revoked. 

“We want people who are out enjoying the borough’s night-time economy offer to have a safe and enjoyable experience – that’s why we will not hesitate to use our powers as a licensing authority when there are concerns raised that a licensed premises is undermining the licensing objectives. 

"We will continue to work closely with our colleagues at Merseyside Police and other partners to ensure that our premises are working to the required legal standards.” 

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Last October, Merseyside Police explained why it had applied for the licence to be reviewed.

The force’s statement read: “Merseyside Police submitted a request in August 2021 for a review of the premises licence.

“The basis of the application for a review was on the grounds that the licensing objectives in respect of ‘The Prevention of Crime and Disorder’ and ‘The Protection of Children from Harm’ had been undermined following reports of underage drinking on the premises.

“Enquiries were made which confirmed that offences had occurred at the premises, which included operating outside of their permitted hours and that they were also in breach of a number of conditions of the licence.”

In a statement posted on Facebook earlier in February Mollie's confirmed that with a heavy heart it was closing its doors for the final time.