Hartlepool bar owner fears license rejection. The council has granted a six-month trial for 4 am service.
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The bar applied for a new license at 56 Church Street. Cleveland Police had some concerns about this bar, and the council reviewed the application.
The bar used to have a license that a company held. After the company closed, Stuart Espin applied for the new license, under the belief that the old license was in his name.
Espin believed there would be no problems and that he could close the company. However, he learned in December that he was wrong and that the bar had no license. He wants the old permission back, which allowed 4am alcohol sales and live music.
Police wanted a 2am cut-off, and council officers agreed with the police. Despite this, council members granted a 4am license, but for only six months. They will collect evidence on the bar’s operation and reassess after those six months.
Espin said security is very serious, noting that he has trained security and many rules. He fears a 2am limit will end the business and believes the bar is a safe place and a valuable asset.
A police lawyer said the area is a “hot spot,” with police dealing with issues there from midnight to 4am. Zoe Craig said they seek a balance here and added there were past noise complaints.
Officials mentioned the council’s policy. It usually denies alcohol sales past 2am, especially in non-residential areas.