The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee met to review the premises licence for Barnard Castle Workingmen's Club and Institute (WMC) following an application from Durham Constabulary. The sub-committee had previously decided to remove the designated premises supervisor and suspend the premises licence with immediate effect, pending the full review.

Review of Barnard Castle Workingmen's Club and Institute Premises Licence

The sub-committee was asked to determine the review application for the premises licence of Barnard Castle Workingmen's Club and Institute, Galgate, Barnard Castle, with a view to promoting the licensing objectives¹. The application for review was submitted by Durham Constabulary, and supported by a representation from Mr Martyn Radcliffe, an 'other person'. Durham Constabulary applied for a summary review of the premises licence under section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003, stating that the Barnard Castle WMC had been associated with both serious crime and disorder.

The review was prompted by an incident on 12 July 2025, when police were called to the club following reports of a fight. According to the police, the initial call was made by a member of the bar staff who reported that four males were fighting outside the premises. However, the police stated that the caller provided very limited details and when asked about weapons, the call handler was told there were none, despite the staff member having witnessed someone using a pool cue to hit someone around the head and another male concealing a pool ball to use as a weapon.

Additional information provided by Durham Constabulary outlined several violent incidents involving patrons of Barnard Castle WMC since 1 March 2025. These included:

• An assault on 1 March 2025, where the injured party was removed from the premises due to intoxication and assaulted outside CCTV coverage.
• An incident on 23 May 2025, where a banned male became aggressive when escorted from the pub and assaulted a member of staff.
• An assault on 6 June 2025, where a male who had been asked to leave the club assaulted a member of the public attending a private party. The suspect was later found in possession of cocaine and a sharply pointed weapon.

The police stated that during the incident on 12 July 2025, a member of staff had refused to make a statement. They also raised concerns that the designated premises supervisor (DPS) was only present at the club on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, despite the incidents occurring at the weekend.

Durham Constabulary also noted a complaint from a neighbour of the premises regarding anti-social behaviour by club patrons.

Mr Martyn Radcliffe submitted a representation outlining several concerns, including noise and anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, criminal damage, littering, safeguarding issues, fire safety concerns, and an atmosphere of fear among neighbours. He also raised concerns about non-compliance with Financial Services Authority (FSA) requirements and an incompetent and non-accountable committee.

The sub-committee was asked to consider Durham County Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2024 to 2029, and the Section 182 Guidance issued by the Home Office.