Nightclub’s Reopening Bid Rejected Amid Security Concerns

A nightclub, previously characterized as a county’s “worst venue,” has been refused permission to resume operations due to identified security concerns. Bar 1, located in Consett, County Durham, ceased operations in December last year following a stabbing incident involving two individuals. Lisa Cowey, an individual with prior employment at the establishment, sought to operate the club as its prospective new licence holder, committing to make security a primary focus. However, Durham County Council rejected the application, stating that Ms. Cowey lacked sufficient experience to manage the challenging venue. Bar 1 recommenced operations in February after its staff successfully appealed the initial closure decision, implementing measures such as ID scanners and body searches. Paul Clark, a solicitor for Durham Police, noted that during the six-month period following the licence revocation and prior to the appeal hearing, there were “further violent incidents including a significant bar brawl where weapons were used.” Sgt Carline Dickenson commented, “It probably is the worst venue in County Durham that I have had to deal with.” Mr. Clark further described the bar as the “epicentre” of Consett’s troubled night-time economy. The establishment was closed once more in July after a court affirmed the council’s decision to shut it down, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Mr. Clarke also stated that Ms. Cowey appeared “distrusting of the police” and had no prior experience as a licence holder. Nicola Anderson, a council licensing enforcement officer, additionally expressed reservations regarding Ms. Cowey’s “close family links to the previous licence holder.” Matt Foster, Ms. Cowey’s solicitor, asserted that “aside from a familial connection,” no other ties existed between his client and the former owners. He further stated, “The applicant has tried a working partnership with the police, she has experience managing premises, she is not in partnership with anyone else, and she’s offered a robust set of conditions.” He urged the committee to “consider the application on its individual merit.” In denying the application, Liz Brown, a member of the licensing committee, indicated her dissatisfaction that there was “sufficient distance” between Ms. Cowey and the influence of the previous owners.