A Wirral bar where tracksuits are banned has won its fight to stay open after attempts were made to shut it down over reports of violence.
Platinum Bar, on Conway Street in Birkenhead, had its licence to trade alcohol taken away in August last year after Merseyside Police instigated a review citing “a considerable number of reports of violence occurring at the premises.”
The decision was subsequently appealed by the proprietors which led to an agreement being reached between Wirral Council and the bar allowing it to remain open subject to “stringent conditions" this month.
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This included additional CCTV and security staff, comprehensive staff training, as well as thorough checks on those entering the bar. Staff are also be required to have a first aid qualification and attend safeguarding training.
Mark Rogers, director at Platinum Bar, said the bar was “very happy" with the outcome" and would look to relaunch in July.
He said: “From the beginning we believed that the decision was wrong and that Platinum Bar should never have been subject to the review. Our legal team have worked closely with Wirral Council and both parties agreed to have all conditions rewritten and made clearer on the premises licence.
“Even though we are very happy with the outcome, this has been a very stressful and costly experience for us and we would like to thank all of our loyal customers for their support throughout this time.
“We look forward to an amazing future at Platinum Bar and are planning a relaunch party as we speak.”
In November 2021, the bar’s licence was temporarily suspended on the grounds of serious disorder and crime on the premises.
Wirral Council then decided to lift the suspension on certain conditions including frequent searches and refusing entry to anyone wearing tracksuits or sports shorts. It was then reviewed in August 2022 after the police request which saw the licence revoked.
Cllr Dave Mitchell, who was on the licensing panel, said the police provided evidence of incidents that took place including one where a woman’s arm was broken and another where someone suffered facial damage.
He said evidence was presented that showed door staff not wearing high-visibility jackets and body cameras as well as CCTV evidence indicating knife wands were not being used properly.
A spokesperson for the bar at the time said: “On the day we questioned the veracity of the allegations presented by Merseyside Police, which appeared on cross-examination to be, in the main, lacking in substantive, supporting evidence. Although there were some points we did concede, in my experience these in isolation would not precipitate the revocation of a Premises Licence.
“Of note is the fact that the licensing unit of Merseyside Police, as mandated by the Chief Constable to act for and on her behalf, did not seek the revocation of the premises licence.”
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