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Police asking for Sittingbourne Snooker Club licence to be suspended

By: Steve Waite swaite@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 00:01, 25 May 2016

Violence which left a man needing surgery, the discovery of drugs, and failure to ensure door staff follow national guidelines are among concerns that could result in a Sittingbourne venue having its licence suspended.

Police have requested a review of Sittingbourne Snooker Club and have listed numerous reasons why it should be forced to temporarily close.

The matter is due to be discussed by Swale council’s Licensing Committee today.

Sittingbourne Snooker Club. Picture by: John Westhrop

In a report for the committee, Det Con Gill Angus, of the North Division Licensing Department, concludes the club, in the high street, has failed to promote the prevention of crime and disorder and has breached several conditions of its licence.

She mentions an assault on February 19 which left the victim, who had been thrown out by one bouncer only to be let back in by another, requiring surgery to replace two front teeth.

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“Clearly there has been a lack of communication between the door staff and a person who was ejected has now suffered a significant injury as a result,” she concluded.

On February 27, police were said to have found cannabis and cocaine on two people during a drugs operation.

Officers also saw customers coming in after midnight, which is against the terms of the licence.

Door staff were also seen without hi-vis vests on and did not have Security Industry Authority badges on display.

As a result, police have asked Licensing Committee members to suspend the premises licence for three months.

They also want Bradley Wright, who runs the club, to be removed as the designated premises supervisor.

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Reduced opening hours, so the venue stops serving at midnight, have been suggested.

And a minimum of five door staff have been recommended on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, two from 8pm and another three from 10pm, including at least two at the main entrance.

Swale council's HQ in Sittingbourne

Drinks, police say, should be served in toughened glass vessels.

Mr Wright said he thought the concerns raised by police were out of date. “The police have called a review with concerns, however, in my opinion they are somewhat historic and I believe, as do other responsible authorities, the venue has moved forwards in leaps and bounds,” he said.

“We continue to work with the police and all responsible authorities to provide a safer night-time economy.”

The hearing is due to be held at Swale House in Sittingbourne today.

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