Pub's licence under review because employees 'keep fighting with the punters'

09 January 2024 , 18:40

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A committee will meet next week to decide if the Millbank should remain open (Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE)

A pub could be forced to close following several reports of fighting between its bar staff and customers.

North Wales Police has called for the Millbank in Rhyl, Wales, to have its licence revoked following several violent incidents, including when a patron was strangled and another left unconscious. Denbighshire Council's licensing committee will meet next Monday to decide whether the seaside pub should be allowed to continue operating. Police said the licence holder had failed to uphold the conditions of the licence which include preventing crime and disorder, ensuring public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm.

North Wales Police said there was a report of a common assault involving a member of staff accused of grabbing a customer by the neck and threatening them on September 1, 2023. Police officers also attended a public order incident on October 29, 2023 involving staff members and customers, NorthWalesLive reported. Officers then reported drunk people and two males on the floor outside, one unconscious and bleeding from a wound to his head. After reviewing the CCTV footage of the incident, police officers say there was "disorder" involving both staff and customers and excessive force used by all parties.

On November 5, 2023, police said a fight inside the premises between staff and customers led to one person being strangled and punched by a member of staff. On further investigation it was found the premises licence holder Mr Bisla had removed four customers and assaulted them outside, resulting in one customer sustaining a sprained wrist and another a broken finger.

North Wales Police said: “In view of the seriousness of two of the incidents, North Wales Police state the premises is not appropriately managed and the premises licence holder and existing staff have been party to the incidents and the level of disorder associated with them. Therefore, they request consideration to revoke the Premises Licence due to the failure to adhere to the Licensing Act 2003, specifically the failure to promote the Crime and Disorder and Protection of Children from Harm objectives.”

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The licensing sub-committee can modify the conditions of the licence, exclude a licensable activity, remove the designated premises supervisor, suspend the licence for a period not exceeding three months, or revoke the licence completely. Denbighshire’s licensing committee will debate the issue on Monday, January 15.

Antony Thrower