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Bar is hit by final licence warning
A SCARBOROUGH bar owner has been slapped with a final warning after worries over under-age drinking at his venue.
Gary Williams, who runs Tonics, in Waterhouse Lane, was hauled before Scarborough Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee over a “number of breaches” of his licence.
The committee accused Mr Williams of failing to adhere to three licensing objectives in relation to public safety, protection of children and prevention of crime and disorder, with councillors telling him they had “strongly considered revoking the premises licence.”
Councillors cited one incident where 400 tickets had been sold for a Scarborough Sixth Form College party – which was four times the capacity deemed safe for the venue.
The event was halted at the last minute, with councillors saying they believed it could have resulted in serious casualties or even death if it went ahead.
The committee heard reports of the bar failing to supply adequate CCTV footage which compromised a police investigation, with councillors told the premises had allowed under-age drinking, advertised an irresponsible drinks promotion and had failed to carry out proper measures to protect young people.
The bar’s management were also accused of being “obstructive, abusive and aggressive with police officers”.
Councillors added 19 new conditions to the bar’s licence, including a ban on anyone under 18 going into the premises during operating hours.
Cllr Brian Watson, chairman of the Licensing Committee, said: “This decision should be a wake-up call.
“He should be in no doubt that we will not tolerate profit being put before safety.
“I am pleased Mr Williams acknowledged his mistakes and look forward to an improved standard.”
Insp Tony Quinn, from Scarborough Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: “North Yorkshire Police were keen to support the application for the review of Tonics owing to some very serious concerns we had relating to a lack of co-operation when seeking CCTV evidence and in relation to the safety of young people.
“We were pleased to see Mr Williams express regret for his actions and agree to the new licence conditions.
“We look forward to working with him to ensure the premises are now run responsibly and safely.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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Comments
There are 5 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
ANARCHIST
Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 04:30 PMSo,Cllr Brian Watson, chairman of the Licensing Committee, said: “This decision should be a wake-up call. Wake up call my Ar***. He should have been shut down there and then. wait a minute. Which councillors are receiving brown Envelope ? It is obvious some are. As per No2,, no chances he knew the law, he just decided as this is Scarbnorough with its soft councilors he would fill his pockets and disregard the law
Boris Scumramp
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 06:52 PMFrankly, I am barely able to maintain equanimity after reading some of the comments posted regarding this article. Are you in possession of all the facts pertaining to this case? I imagine the world and its beauty is very dull to you, as you are clearly only able to see in black and white. If Tonics is to be reprimanded for its actions, then many other premises must face condign punishments appropriate to the way in which they flout regulations. What do you consider to be an irresponsible drink promotion? Many premises offer Pints and Jagerbombs at the price of just a pound (or slightly more). I do not deem these irresponsible, as fair trade should apply. People have their own minds and should be responsible enough to know when they are intoxicated. Mr Williams is simply trying to compete with the chain pubs which are located in close proximity. The amount of violence and crapulent individuals spewing forth from those premises must surely prompt a great deal more action being taken than Mr Williams' premises deserves. In relation to the point about possible deaths: This would be laughable were it not of such a serious nature. Yes the amount of tickets sold outnumbered the capacity. I cannot dispute that. It was a poor mistake, but generally when parties are organised, roughly a quarter of the people who say they will attend actually do. Let us just say for arguments sake, that all of the guests were going to turn up. Mr Williams and his door staff are extremely experienced. Had the amount of attendees reached a level at which a risk of injury was present, they would have had the nous to refuse to let any more people in. I come on to my next point about under age drinkers. I have drank in each of Mr Williams' premises for many years, and it is not too often I have seen a customer who appeared to be under age. I feel there are many other premises in town which need closer scrutiny regarding this issue. The analogy about being caught speeding is utterly moronic. Are you instantly banned from driving or do you have your licence revoked after being caught speeding? In some circumstances yes, but it depends on the speed at which you are caught driving. The most salient point of my rant is that Tonics should not be looked at as a sole offender, and one should not take everything you see printed as black and white. I suggest you try drinking in Tonics, and you will find it has a warm, welcoming atmosphere with much fun and good conversation to be had. One of the few premises in town where this is applicable. Thank you and good night.
Sapper
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 10:28 AMThis is an appauling state of affairs. Without a doubt the licence should have been revoked. I wonder if, as it was not so long ago, magistrates would have been so lenient. I do not think so. In fact I am sure that they would have taken a far more serious view of the consequences of the lax and money grabbing way in which the business is being run. The trouble is that Councillors have had no experience of making such decisions in the past or received sufficient training in Licensing matters.
Crossgates View
Monday, February 6, 2012 at 04:42 PMBizarre! How many chances? How many warnings? If you get spotted speeding, you have had it, no warnings, no second chances!
oldboro
Monday, February 6, 2012 at 04:09 PMHis he also going to obey the Health & Saftey Regulations and Fire Regulations set in place for this esablishment or are the Liecncing Laws more important.
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