Trouble spot Cramlington pub to close for month

Dec 19 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal

A PUB branded a trouble spot by police is to be temporarily shut down to allow the owners to clean up its act.

The Travellers Rest in Cramlington, Northumberland, will be forced to close its doors for a month from January 8, when the current licensee will be removed.

The owners will have four weeks in which to bring in a new licensee or manager and sort out the problems which Northumbria Police say are plaguing the pub.

It will then be allowed to re-open, but will have its licensing hours permanently cut back and face a requirement to keep detailed records of who comes and goes after 9pm. The crackdown on the Low Main Place pub comes in the wake of what police chiefs say are long-standing problems with crime and disorder in, and around, the premises.

These have included assaults, possession of drugs, serving under-age drinkers and already drunk customers, and alcohol-related trouble outside.

Northumbria Police raised the concerns with Blyth Valley Council’s licensing committee in July, when extra conditions were imposed on the pub’s licence in a bid to improve management. But since then police in Cramlington say the number of incidents and crimes has worsened and further evidence was taken back to the licensing committee this week.

As well as the four-week suspension of the pub’s licence from January 8, the committee agreed that it will have to close at midnight on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and all Bank Holidays, instead of the current 1am. In addition, the pub’s managers will have to keep records of admissions and departures between 9pm and midnight and make these available to the police and licensing authority.

Yesterday Cramlington Neighbourhood Inspector David Felton said: “The levels of crime and disorder associated with the premises were unacceptable, and we are committed to doing all we can to ensure Cramlington is a safe place to be. This pub actually stood out like a sore thumb in what is a low crime area, with crime levels currently 12% down on the previous year.

“The sale of alcohol requires responsible and robust management. If these responsibilities are ignored, we will look to work with those involved. However, if this fails, we will seek licence reviews.

“We are always looking at ways to improve the quality of life for the community and tackle the issues that effect them. This decision should serve as a reminder to everyone involved with both on- and off-licensed premises of the consequences of flouting the rules and the stance that Northumbria Police will take.”