The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee of County Durham Council is scheduled to consider an application for a summary review of the premises licence for The Kings Head public house. This review has been triggered by Durham Constabulary due to concerns about serious crime and disorder associated with the premises.

Summary Licence Review for The Kings Head

The committee is scheduled to consider an application for a summary licence review concerning The Kings Head, located at 53 Front Street, Cockfield¹. This application has been submitted by the Chief Officer of Police of Durham Constabulary under section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003². This process is initiated when the police believe a licensed premises is associated with serious crime and/or serious disorder.

The report pack indicates that the police are requesting the sub-committee to consider taking interim steps pending a full review of the premises licence. These potential interim steps include modifying the conditions of the licence, excluding the sale of alcohol from the licence's scope, removing the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), Cherylanne Lowther, or suspending the licence entirely.

The application for the summary review was received on 28 July 2026, and the Licensing Authority is required to consider interim steps within 48 hours of receipt. The report details an incident on 25 July 2026 where an individual sustained catastrophic injuries, including multiple facial fractures requiring surgery during an assault within the premises, witnessed by the victim's nine-year-old son. Superintendent Stephen Long of Durham Constabulary has issued a certificate stating his opinion that the premises are associated with serious crime and serious disorder, deeming the existing procedures under the Licensing Act 2003 to be inappropriate for the immediate situation.

The report pack also includes guidance on the summary review process under sections 53A-C of the Licensing Act 2003, which outlines the powers available to the police and the licensing authority. This guidance explains that the purpose of these powers is to complement existing procedures for tackling crime and disorder associated with licensed premises, particularly concerning the use of dangerous weapons and associated violence.

The premises licence for The Kings Head authorises the sale of alcohol, live and recorded music, and late-night refreshment, with specific operating hours. A full review of the premises licence must take place within 28 days of the summary review application being received, meaning it must be held by 25 August 2026. A notice regarding the review application has been displayed on the premises and the council's website, inviting representations by 11 August 2026.

The members of the Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee who will be considering this matter are Councillor Matt Burnard, Councillor Amanda Hopgood (Deputy Mayor of Durham, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group), Councillor Gary Hutchinson (Mayor of Durham), Councillor Louise Penders, and Councillor Tim Robson. They will hear from Sergeant Caroline Dickenson of Durham Constabulary, and Jason French and Adrian Gaines will be in attendance from FB Taverns FH Limited, the premises licence holder.