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Residents' relief as nightclub loses appeal.

Northumbria Police

11 October 2008


A Sunderland nightclub has failed in its appeal against decision to restrict their opening hours after drug use and related disorder made life a misery for nearby residents.
The London Inn in Washington, which incorporates The Groove nightclub, was previously licensed to serve alcohol until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights with the club itself closing at 2.00am.
A 3-day hearing in April of this year, in which police concerns over the management of the venue played a major part, made the decision to permenantly restrict these opening hours to midnight.
Superintendent Kay Blyth of Sunderland Area Command said: "The restricted opening hours will be a positive step in reducing crime and disorder in the area surrounding the premises.
"The delay in implemmentation of theses measures due to the appeal by management has been frustrating both for ourselves and nearby residents.
"The decision today will no doubt be a welcome result for the many concerned local residents who spoke very compellingly at the hearing.
"The local community expressed grave concerns over the way that this club was being run and the level of drug use, crime and disorder that was happening as a result.
"Those who operate licensed premises have an obligation to ensure not only the safety of their customers, but also the peace and wellbeing of those living nearby and we will take action in all cases where this obligation is not being met."
"I can assure local residents that we will continue to monitor the situation around the club for the forseeable future and take further action where appropriate.
The club was the subject of a Closure Notice in June of last year under section one of the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2001. This closure order was made after police executed a drugs warrant at the premises resulting in 15 convictions for drugs related offences.
After the closure order police worked with the London Inn's management to try to improve the situation for local residents, but after a number of further incidents it became necessary for police to intervene.