Pub can reopen despite lock-in violence

A pub has had its licence reinstated despite a man being kicked unconscious during an illicit early-hours lock-in.

The Old Crown, now called Paradise Bar, in Sandwell Road, West Bromwich, had been closed since March following calls for an urgent review by West Midlands Police after a man was knocked unconscious during a fight outside the venue.

The force said it was still investigating an offence of grievous bodily harm over the fight.

Sandwell Council's licensing subcommittee agreed to hand back the pub's landlord, Orville Hines, his licence following a hearing on 9 April.

Mr Hines told the hearing he had only leased the venue to Paradise Bar, and he did not have any input into the "day-to-day conduct" of the business.

He added that he would always investigate incidents at his venues, but as the landlord, he was not responsible for the behaviour and actions of his tenants.

A report, which was discussed by Sandwell Council's licensing committee, said the fight broke out at around 02:55 GMT on 1 March – nearly 90 minutes after the pub should have closed.

Police said CCTV footage from 15 minutes earlier showed the pub "fully illuminated" and people standing outside with a "small" number of people leaving.

The footage then captured the fight at around 02:55 where "crowds" of people are seen leaving, according to the police's application for review.

The hearing heard that incidents had also taken place in October and December last year – including one in which three people suffered facial injuries.

The force said it had "no confidence" the conditions of the licence were being upheld and had "serious concerns" about the pub remaining open.

Sandwell's public health officers agreed, saying the "disorder and violence associated with the venue pose a clear risk to public safety and well-being, necessitating urgent action".

An urgent review was held behind closed doors on 14 March, when the pub's licence was suspended until the full hearing on 9 April.

But following discussions prior to the meeting, West Midlands Police said the venue re-opening with conditions added to its licence was the "sensible way forward".

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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