A bar's licence has been revoked by Wirral Council after police asked for a review over reports of violence.
This means the Platinum Bar, on Conway Street, Birkenhead, will close on September 7 when the decision comes into effect unless an appeal is made.
In November 2021, the bar’s licence was temporarily suspended on the grounds of serious disorder and crime on the premises.
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The Licensing Panel for Wirral Council then decided to lift the suspension on certain conditions including frequent searches and refusing entry to anyone wearing tracksuits or sports shorts.
On August 11, the panel reviewed the licence again after a police request, citing “a considerable number of reports of violence occurring at the premises” since the suspension was lifted.
A police statement said: “The occurrence of these incidents is undermining the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and prevention of public nuisance."
Dave Mitchell, spokesperson for the Licensing Panel, said the police provided evidence of incidents that took place including one where a woman’s arm was broken and another where someone suffered facial damage.
Cllr Mitchell said evidence was presented that showed door staff were not wearing high-vis jackets and body cameras and CCTV evidence that showed knife wands were not being used properly. Cllr Mitchell also said the police found only one working knife wand.
Wearing hi-vis and cameras as well using knife wands were conditions of the suspension being lifted.
Cllr Mitchell said: “We were there for five hours. This decision wasn’t done lightly and we’ve got to make sure it is the right decision. It was the decision made by the committee as we believe the night time economy in Birkenhead needs to be good.” He said lifting the suspension in November was another chance but action had to be taken.
A legal representative for Platinum Bar said: “We are naturally disappointed at the determination reached by the Licensing Sub Committee last Thursday but delivered to us on the 17th of August.
“On the day we questioned the veracity of the allegations presented by Merseyside Police, which appeared on cross-examination to be, in the main, lacking in substantive, supporting evidence. Although there were some points we did concede, in my experience these in isolation would not precipitate the revocation of a Premises Licence.
“Of note is the fact that the Licensing Unit of Merseyside Police, as mandated by the Chief Constable to act for and on her behalf, did not seek the revocation of the Premises Licence.
“As of now the decision of the Sub Committee will not take effect until the end of the appeal period and during this time my client may continue to trade.”
The owner of Platinum Bar may decide to appeal at the Magistrates Court.
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