The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider a representation made by Mr Duncan Craig, barrister for the premises licence holder, against interim steps imposed on Quinns Inn, Spennymoor following a summary review application by Durham Constabulary. The interim steps, which took immediate effect on 26 November 2025, consisted of the removal of Mrs Susan Ellis as the Designated Premises Supervisor and the suspension of the premises licence. The sub-committee was asked to determine whether to withdraw or modify the interim steps, considering their appropriateness for promoting the licensing objectives¹.

Quinns Inn Interim Steps

The sub-committee was scheduled to discuss a representation against interim steps following a summary review application for Quinns Inn, 66 High Street, Spennymoor.

Background

On 24 November 2025, Durham Constabulary submitted a summary review application and certificate under sections 53 A and B of the Licensing Act 2003, asserting that Quinns Inn was associated with serious crime and/or serious disorder. According to the Public Reports Pack, a summary review is submitted where the police believe the premises are linked to serious crime and/or serious disorder.

Following the application, on 26 November 2025, the sub-committee imposed interim steps:

• Removal of the Designated Premises Supervisor Mrs Susan Ellis
• Suspension of the premises licence

Mr Duncan Craig, barrister for the premises licence holder, submitted a representation against the interim steps, specifically the suspension, requesting a hearing within 48 hours.

Police Report

Sergeant Caroline Dickenson applied for the review on behalf of the Chief Officer of Police, stating that on 22 November 2025, officers were called to Quinns Inn after a report of an unconscious male with a cut to the eyebrow. The injured male was taken to James Cook Hospital with life-threatening injuries after a further call from a friend.

CCTV footage showed an altercation where the victim was punched and kicked by suspects, with door staff present. The police report claims that staff members mopped up blood and disposed of a blood-stained paper towel in a public bin, and that the venue maintained that the incident had not happened at the venue, even stating on social media that it was nothing to do with the venue. The report also notes that a member of door staff who witnessed the fight refused to provide a statement.

Sergeant Dickenson stated:

Due to the seriousness of the incident reported at the weekend and the contributary factors around the running and management at the premises. There is significant risk to Public Safety and the application for the review of a premises licence under section 53A of the licencing Act 2003 is justified whereby Durham Constabulary will be requesting consideration is made for immediate suspension of the license pending a full review.

Licensing Act 2003

The Licensing Act 2003 regulates the sale and supply of alcohol, and provides a framework for licensing premises. Under Section 53A, a chief officer of police can apply for an expedited review of a premises licence if a senior officer certifies that the premises are associated with serious crime, serious disorder, or both.

Within 48 hours of receiving the application, the licensing authority must consider whether to take interim steps, pending a full review within 28 days. Interim steps can include modifying licence conditions, excluding alcohol sales, removing the designated premises supervisor, or suspending the licence.

The premises licence holder can make representations against the interim steps, which triggers a hearing within 48 hours of receipt. The licensing authority must consider whether the interim steps are appropriate for promoting the licensing objectives and determine whether to withdraw or modify them. There is no right of appeal against the licensing authority's decision at this stage.

Premises Licence Details

Quinns Inn's premises licence, DCCPRM50132, was granted on 24 November 2005 and issued on 11 February 2011. The licence authorises live music, recorded music, and the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises. The Designated Premises Supervisor is Mrs Susan Marie Ellis.

The permitted hours for licensable activities are:

• Monday to Thursday: 11:00 to 00:00 for live and recorded music, 11:00 to 00:30 for opening hours and alcohol sales.
• Friday and Saturday: 11:00 to 02:00 for live and recorded music, opening hours and alcohol sales.
• Sunday: 11:00 to 00:00 for live and recorded music, 11:00 to 00:30 for opening hours and alcohol sales.

The licence includes conditions relating to crime prevention, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. These include maintaining a CCTV system, requiring staff to seek proof of age, ensuring no open drinking vessels are taken outside, employing SIA² registered door supervisors, and preventing music from causing nuisance to nearby residents. Children are not permitted on the premises at any time.