Police call for licensing review at Hartlepool bar

Police chiefs have called for a licensing review at a Hartlepool bar they say has been dogged by violent incidents.
The front of Loons in Hartlepool.The front of Loons in Hartlepool.
The front of Loons in Hartlepool.

Loons, on Victoria Road, is one of the few premises in the town with a licence to remain open until 4am.

Cleveland Police say that, in the last five months alone, 12 violent incidents have been reported there – considerably more than any other licensed premise in Hartlepool.

The application by the police.The application by the police.
The application by the police.
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In the application for a review of the bar’s licence, the force said: “As a result of these incidents they are, undoubtedly, not upholding two of the four main licensing objectives, namely The Prevention of Crime and Disorder, and Public Safety.

“The police have tried to work closely with Loons to try and alleviate some of the issues.

“They were identified as being one of the top three premises for recorded crime in the Cleveland area in a crime analysis of on licensed premises for the 2016 year.

“They have, however, themselves come up with a list of actions they have taken to try and help, which form their own action plan, which they have had in place since March 2017.

The application by the police.The application by the police.
The application by the police.
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“Unfortunately, none of the interventions or systems put in place have been able to give Loons sufficient breathing space to combat or quell what has become something of a cycle for the premise.

“Such are the concerns of Cleveland Police that they find no alternative but to make this application for a review of the Premises Licence.”

A Hartlepool Borough Council spokesman said: “We can confirm we have received an application for the review of the premises licence.

“The grounds for review are around incidents which have taken place at the venue which undermine the licensing objectives.

“The application is available to view on our website and any interested parties had until Monday, September 4 to make a representation.

“A hearing will take place but no date has currently been set.”