A ST HELENS town centre nightclub has had its appeal against the council's rejection of its bid to extend its alcohol licence hours decided on.
Bar 44, in Westfield Street, had sought to extend the hours for sale of alcohol, currently from 10pm to 3am, every day, by two hours to 5am.
The venue also asked for an extension until 5am for live music, recorded music, performance of dance, entertainment of a similar description, indoor sporting events, exhibition of film and late night refreshment.
St Helens Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee had refused the nightclub’s application last year.
The application had attracted an objection from Merseyside Police who said the variation "will add to the cumulative impact in the area" in relation to crime and anti-social behaviour.
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In a report, which went before the council's Sub-Licensing Committee in April 2023, it was said: "Merseyside Police are submitting a representation against the application to vary the premises licence of Bar 44, 44-46 Westfield Street, St Helens, WA10 1QF, to extend the sale of alcohol hours and other licensable activities until 0500 hours daily.
"We believe that by granting this application it will undermine the Licensing Objectives, specifically the Prevention of Crime and Disorder."
Inspector Jon Smith said in a report to the committee that Westfield Street had "the highest levels of violence recorded for all the town centre ward".
In the report, dated April 6, it was stated Westfield Street saw 113 violent crimes recorded in the previous 12 months, compared with Duke Street which was second with 61 and Ormskirk Street 58.
The Licensing Authority also recommended to the committee that the amendments "would likely undermine the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder".
Appeal launched to magistrates' court
Barr 44 subsequently launched an appeal against the decision to refuse the variation to the licence.
Meanwhile, the Westfield Street venue has also had several applications for temporary event notices (TENs) allowing it to operate for extended hours on specific dates also refused by the council earlier this year.
The police's opposition to these TEN applications led to Bar 44 owners MJT Group claiming the venue had been unfairly "singled out" during a council Licensing Sub-Committee meeting at the town hall in February.
Bar 44's appeal against the refusal for a permanent licensing hours extension was heard by a district judge at Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates' Court in September.
Following this, the judge refused the appeal on the ground that it was against the council’s licensing policy framework.
Merseyside Police Licensing Sergeant Craig Carmichael said: “St Helens has achieved Purple Flag status which recognises the continuing work for the town to be a safe place for people to visit and enjoy a good night out.
“We are determined to keep this status, which highlights the excellent partnership work between Merseyside Police and the local authority.”
If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of St Helens. Please get in touch at simon.mulligan@newsquest.co.uk
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