Hartlepool's Jax Bar allowed to keep license after coronavirus safety concerns found in spot check
An application had been made to review the licence of Jax Bar, located in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre in Hartlepool, by the council environmental health department.
It related to allegations the premises had not been operating in a ‘Covid-secure way’ when visited during a spot check in September.
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Hide AdCleveland Police had also submitted a response referring to issues of ‘crime and disorder, public nuisance and concerns over public safety’ at the site.
The review went before Hartlepool Borough Council Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday, who heard a ‘negotiated settlement’ had been reached between all parties.
Councillors were told since the review application was made the venue licence holder Cameron’s Brewery has removed the previous designated premises supervisor, Mr Anthony Wilkinson, with a new appointment to be made.
Cllr Paddy Brown, who chaired the sub-committee, said other than additional conditions relating to ensuring thorough CCTV coverage and noise limiting devices are installed, no further action is needed.
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Hide AdHe said: “Having considered the application for review of the premises licence in respect of Jax Bar, Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, Hartlepool, the licensing sub-committee is pleased to advise that all parties have reached a negotiated settlement to this matter.
“Other than the addition of conditions detailed, no further action is required to be taken by the authority at this time.”
He added: “The sub-committee understands the individual who was named on the licence as being the designated premises supervisor is no longer named and as such that a new supervisor will be appointed at an appropriate time.”
The three conditions added to the licence include ensuring thorough CCTV arrangements are in place throughout the site.
Conditions also include stating only permitted persons, for example staff and the tenant, can be in the site outside of its opening hours, or if closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
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Hide AdFinally they state noise limiting devices will be installed on the first and ground floors, to prevent customers having to shout over music, which will apply any time provision of entertainment is limited or controlled by Covid-19 restrictions.
Ian Harrison, council trading standards and licensing manager, said ‘significant discussions’ had taken place between all parties to come to the agreement.
He said: “Since the review application was made there have been significant discussions taking place between Camerons, the police and the environmental health department.
“I’m pleased to say an amicable agreement was reached in relation to how this matter could proceed.”
Jane Kett, council environmental health manager, had called for the review after spot checks in September from police and council staff raised concerns over the lack of Covid-19 regulations in place.
In her response, she said: “It was during an evening spot check when it became apparent that Jax Bar were not operating in a Covid-19-secure way and they were jeopardising the safety of their staff and customers.
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Hide Ad“The music was very loud, and people who were stood up were not social distancing.
“The two visits on the evening of Friday 11th September demonstrated that Jax Bar was not complying with these public safety measures.”
At the time of the checks, on September 11, venues were allowed to open but the Government had introduced a range of measures to be followed to ensure that businesses were operating in a Covid-19 secure way.
Additionally a response from Cleveland Police noted they were aware of 11 separate incidents around Jax Bar dating from July to September this year, the majority featuring reports of violence or assault.