West Brom pub facing review after man knocked unconscious during lock-in
A pub will have its licence reviewed after a man was knocked unconscious during an early hours lock-in.
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The Old Crown in Sandwell Road, West Bromwich, has been closed since last month following calls for an urgent review by West Midlands Police over a fight outside the venue where a man was knocked unconscious and required “emergency assistance.”
The force said it is still investigating an offence of grievous bodily harm (GBH) over the fight.
A report, which will be discussed by Sandwell Council’s licensing committee, said the fight broke out at around 2.55am on March 1 – nearly 90 minutes after the pub should have closed.
The pub’s licence means it can sell alcohol until 1am on Friday nights and must close by 1.30am.
Police said CCTV footage from 15 minutes earlier showed the pub ‘fully illuminated’ and people standing outside with a ‘small’ number of people leaving.
The footage then captured the fight at around 2.55am where ‘crowds’ of people are then seen leaving, according to the police’s application for review.
As a result of the “serious” incident, the force said it had “no confidence” the conditions of the licence were being upheld and “serious concerns” about the pub remaining open.
In the police review application it said: “Given the seriousness of the incident and the disorder shown on the CCTV involving patrons of the venue and the fact it occurs at a time when the premises should have ceased licensable activity and be closed to the public, West Midlands Police has no confidence that the licensing objectives are being promoted.”
Sandwell’s public health officers agreed saying the “disorder and violence associated with the venue pose a clear risk to public safety and wellbeing, necessitating urgent action.”
The violent incident also raised “significant concerns regarding the management and operation of the venue,” public health added.
An urgent review was held behind closed doors on March 14 where the pub’s licence was suspended until a full hearing.
The pub’s designated supervisor Maurice Delroy McLeod was also removed from the licence. The pub’s licence holder is Orville Hines.
Sandwell Council’s licensing committee meets in Oldbury on April 9.
