Rhyl pub faces licence review after police called to 55 incidents in just over a year

A pub in Rhyl is facing a review of its licence after police were called to 55 incidents in just over a year.

North Wales Police has raised concerns over “a serious lack of control” in relation to the running of The North on Wellington Road in the town.

It follows a string of problems at the venue between December 1, 2018 and January 20 this year.

The force has told Denbighshire Council it wants Robin Jones to be removed as the designated premises supervisor.

PC Manus Sheridan, who has submitted the application on behalf of police, has stopped short of recommending the pub’s closure though.

A report to councillors written by council officers states: “North Wales Police state that they have a lack of confidence in the ability of the management of the premises to run the premises in a responsible manner.

“They also refer to failure to challenge drunk customers and allowing customers to get drunk on the premises, along with failure to manage customers’ behaviour and failure to adequately manage and control incidents of crime and disorder.

“North Wales Police state that there is a serious lack of control at the premises, however they do not wish to see the venue closed down, as they fully support and encourage a vibrant, lively and safe late night economy.”

The suggested changes to licence conditions put forward by police instead include the following:

• All licensable activities must stop by 11pm and all customers must leave by midnight.
• A person who can access and download CCTV footage has to be on site at all times when licensable activities are being undertaken.
• The rear beer garden and rear smoking shelter is not to be used after 9pm Monday to Sunday
• A designated smoking area should be used after 9pm at the back of the premises, limited to five people at a time and no drinks will be allowed in the area.
• No-one will be permitted to smoke in the front of the premises after 9pm.
• A final entry time of 11pm is to be implemented Monday to Sunday.
• No re-admittance will be permitted for any customers who leave the premises after 11pm.
• All door supervisors should be accredited by the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme.
• Removal of Robin Jones as designated premises supervisor.

Mr Jones will be invited to make representations to a council licensing sub committee which is due to convene on Wednesday morning to decide what action to take.

Police have also provided CCTV footage of incidents that have taken place since the application for review was served ahead of the meeting.