Stalybridge venue has licence cut after violence

A STALYBRIDGE bar has had its licensed hours vastly reduced after hearing of ‘extreme violence’ associated with it.

Neighbours of Decades Heaven and Hell, on Market Street, also told of the impact incidents and noise had on their mental health.

Now its 3am licence from Thursday-Sunday has been pulled back to 12.30am, despite claims that would not make it ‘viable.’

It is also now only licenced until 11.30pm from Monday-Wednesday, it was allowed to sell alcohol until 1am.

A meeting of Tameside Council’s Speaker’s Panel (Liquor Licensing) panel viewed CCTV footage of what was described by PC Craig Foley, of Greater Manchester Police, as ‘extreme violence.’

He told of six incidents that occurred between a meeting with licensee Ian Whittaker on March 27 and May 6 either inside or in the vicinity of the venue – he added: “I believe more has gone unreported.”

In a statement, puncture wounds to the neck from either glass or a knife, facial injuries requiring hospital treatment, broken ribs, concussion and a police inspector and sergeant suffering a broken finger and bruising were also detailed in incidents both before and after the meeting.

Tara Mistry and Tina Buckley, who live next door and opposite, told the hearing of the problems the venue had caused them, including people banging on shutters and windows, leaving on flat buzzers and congregating at their doorway.

Tina, who has lived on Market Street for 25 years, described her backing the original licence application as ‘the worst decision of my life’ while Tara, who has been there for a similar length of time, spoke of the effect it has had on her.

Mr Whittaker, who has had the licence since 2008, told the panel it felt like he was being ‘picked on’ – which did not go down well with members.

He spoke of his belief that the blame for incidents at other venues like takeaways or further down Market Street should not be placed on his venue.

He also believed the police should do more to make sure trouble cannot begin.

Mr Whittaker – who said he is selling the building – told the panel: “There was an issue at the last Pubwatch meeting where there were some teenagers fighting on the bus station and they had knives.

“My door staff at another venue reported it and they’ve put it through to our name. These kids were 13, 14 or 15-years-old.

“My door staff weren’t actually working; the pub was closed but they labelled it against my building.

“Eight years ago, there was a police presence around there every weekend and we had no trouble.

“Other venues were open and we didn’t have the problems we’re getting now. All I’m asking is for one police car to drive through the town at 3am or 4am.

“That’s all I’ve requested for eight years. If you want to stop a lot of what goes on, because most of it is outside my venue, not inside it, you’ll find it’ll be a different town.”

However, Mr Whittaker’s statement seemingly fell on deaf ears as Phil Morton, Tameside Council’s regulatory compliance officer, fired at him: “Is any of this your fault? I’ve heard so much blame game through the police, council, residents, taxi firms, other bars.

“For whatever reason, there’s no doubt that incidents at Decades are happening late at night, that’s because you open late at night. I get that.

“But it has to be considered is it still suitable to have a licence until 3am with all the issues that go on with that, whoever’s fault that may be?”

PC Foley added: “The authorities have done all they can but we’re still seeing the same failings time after time.

“I believe the licensing objectives seem a secondary consideration after monetary gain at the expense of members of the public who want to have a night out and go home safely.”

The meeting was told Mr Whittaker had installed an additional member of security staff over the weekend to deal with the issues.

He said measures to reduce violence suggested by Tameside Council’s licensing team on March 27 had been implemented.

Mr Whittaker’s solicitor, Andrea Forrest, added: “It’s a late night venue, that’s the operation it is.

“Staff have done everything they can and all the measures have bene taken on board.

“Putting any more door staff on doesn’t make it viable and closing earlier definitely wouldn’t make it viable. I do think there isn’t anything more the premises can do.”

However, chair of the panel Cllr Jean Drennan, delivered the reduction of hours, as well as additional conditions on the licence, including regularly attending Pubwatch meetings, training reviews for staff and reviewing how best to deal with the number of people in the smoking area outside.

She said: “We consider this to be proportionate given the frequency and seriousness of these incidents over the last six months.”