Has The Angel lost its halo?

A DENTON pub is to have its licence reviewed after an incident that saw two people injured.

A ‘large scale disturbance’ outside The Angel on Hyde Road has led Greater Manchester Police to write to Tameside Council.

And the role of the licensee and supervisor around the events of Friday, June 7, have been called into question.

One man received a six-inch long and one-inch deep cut to his back and a puncture wound to his left eye, also sustaining a blow to the head with an unknown instrument. 

Another man was hit over the head with a glass, giving him a cut to the ear, two puncture wounds to his arm and a two to three-inch cut to his back.

In the letter, seen by the Correspondent, Greater Manchester Police say: “Greater Manchester Police believe that the current Premises Licence Holder (PLH) and Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) have not upheld the licensing objectives of their licence – specifically prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.

“The PLH/DPS have not upheld the conditions of the licence, when on Friday 7th June 2019 whilst both the PLH and DPS were not present at the licensed premises, a large scale disturbance occurred directly outside The Angel public house.

“Patrons who had immediately before the disturbance been inside The Angel public house as customers then spill out from the front doorway of the premises and into the carriageway of Hyde Road.”

Police say they met with the licensee on Monday, June 10 but authorities were not happy with the attitude towards the incident or steps suggested to combat any further issues – including the use of plastic vessels.

The report read: “The PLH (licensee) failed to take any responsibility for the two Section 18 assaults, claiming that the incidents occurred outside and off the premises.

“Proposals were submitted to the PLH in writing which were suggested by the Police Licensing Officer. These proposals were discussed in relation to prevention of crime and disorder and public safety and are listed:

• Age limit for customers, no under 21s

• Implementation of SIA ‘approved’ door staff working Friday – Sunday between 8pm and half an hour after closing time

• Door staff within these times and for any sporting event being shown on the premises

• Door staff to have access to a metal detecting wand – wand available

• There will be a no search no entry policy – with signs (at staff’s discretion). This will be maintained.

• Only polycarbonate glasses to be used on and off the premises at all times.

• CCTV will be maintained covering each entry and exit point of the premises.

• Sale of alcohol to conclude at 11.30pm

• Opening hours will be limited at 00.00hrs.”

Police said the licensee dismissed their wish list as ‘unachievable’ and emailed his suggestions, which did not include the use of plastic glasses.

Even though it included one member of door staff and one floor manager being appointed, three staff being enrolled on a drugs awareness course, CCTV training and new signage and incident reporting sheets, it did not go far enough.

Police responded in the report: “I believe that these voluntary proposals fall short of what is necessary and proportionate in evidencing the commitment and responsibility of the PLH and the DPS (designated premises supervisor) to reduce crime and disorder and improve public safety.

“In conclusion and in order to maintain the licensing objectives at The Angel, I respectfully submit this application for consideration for the review of a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003.”

A consultation period closed on Thursday July 11, with a hearing into The Angel’s licence expected after it expires.

Police say they are investigating two Section 18 assaults after the incident, which occurred just before 11pm.