A pub’s bid to reinstate its licence following an 'attack' has been refused.
The request by Quinn’s Inn, on Spennymoor High Street, to be able to reopen was turned down by Durham County Council’s licensing committee on Monday (December 8).
Durham Constabulary raised several concerns with the management of the pub after a man was left with life-threatening injuries following an incident on November 22.
A 34-year-old needed emergency brain surgery after the attack at the pub at around 12:30am. Two men, aged 21 and 23, were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and have since been bailed.
The pub faced an interim licensing hearing on November 26 and had its licence to serve alcohol suspended pending a full review. The licence of Susan Ellis, licensee, was also removed.
Staff at the Quinn’s Inn were accused of misleading and obstructing officers after the incident. The pub denies the allegations.
Duncan Craig, representing the venue, told Monday’s hearing that the owners have a positive local reputation after owning the pub for 25 years.
“Some of the matters in the police statement are grossly unfair and ignore the previous track record of the business.
“This is a family that is incredibly well regarded in Spennymoor, and we shouldn’t forget that.”
Durham Constabulary warned that the pub remaining open would pose a "significant risk to public safety".
A previous hearing was told that the emergency services were not immediately contacted following the incident.
Sergeant Caroline Dickenson added: “All the venue has done is interfere with the crime scene and obstruct officers by giving misleading information.
“The venue has maintained the stance that it hasn't happened at the venue and took to social media to state it was nothing to do with the venue.”
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But Mr Craig disputed the force’s claims and urged the committee to reinstate the venue’s licence with several new conditions. “Extensive training has been provided to the key people in the organisation to ensure they can better respond to incidents,” he said.
Councillor Tim Robson, who chaired the hearing, said immediately reopening the venue would be inappropriate due to the ongoing investigation. He added: “The suspension and the removal of the DPS from the licence will continue.”
A full licensing review will take place on Friday, December 19.
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