Memory Lane Seeks Reopening Licence Following Assault

A pub that ceased operations after a customer sustained a fractured face in an assault has submitted an application to reopen under new management. Memory Lane, located in Seaham, County Durham, ceased trading in April following concerns expressed by both the police and the local council regarding the establishment’s management practices. Its licence was revoked the following month, but Terrie Price, who hopes to become the new supervisor, has submitted a new application. Durham County Council’s licensing department has lodged an objection to this application, stating a lack of confidence that the establishment would be “properly run”. The local authority asserts that Mrs. Price will not be the actual operator of the pub, but rather other individuals associated with the premises. Nicola Anderson, a licensing enforcement officer, commented, “Due to the ongoing situation with the partnership at the premises the Licensing Authority has no confidence that the premises will be properly run.” A previous licensing meeting revealed an ongoing family dispute concerning the ownership of the premises and the management of the CCTV system. The latest application for a licence proposes daily operating hours from 09:00 to 23:00, with an extended closing time of 01:00 on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Should approval be granted, the licence would incorporate multiple stipulations, such as a continuously operational CCTV system and a strict policy of zero tolerance for staff consuming alcohol while on duty. Individuals observed using drugs at the location would also face immediate removal and a prohibition from the premises for a minimum duration of one year. The council is scheduled to review the licence application on Tuesday. The licensing committee had previously determined that there were “clear failings” within the business operations and noted that employees lacked adequate training. The assault, which occurred on 20 April, resulted in the victim sustaining broken eye sockets and requiring jaw surgery. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a woman present at the pub was heard exclaiming “he’s nearly dead,” yet law enforcement was not contacted. Emma Bird, the premises supervisor, has subsequently appealed the decision to revoke the licence; this appeal is slated for consideration at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court in February 2025. For updates, follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.