The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee met to review the premises licence for The Aviator bar, following an application from Durham Constabulary. The sub-committee was asked to determine the review application with a view to promoting the licensing objectives¹.

Review of Premises Licence - The Aviator, Newton Aycliffe

The sub-committee considered an application by Durham Constabulary to review the premises licence for The Aviator, Unit 18 Northfield Way, Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe DL5 6EJ, following an incident of serious crime and disorder.

Sergeant Caroline Dickenson of Durham Constabulary, the applicant, stated that there had been a serious incident at the Aviator Gin Bar on Wednesday 16th July 2025, at 22:55hrs, where a patron of the bar stabbed two people. According to Sgt Dickenson, CCTV footage showed that the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), Jacob Kennedy, had given an untrue account to police officers and had attempted to mislead them, remove any blame from the venue and protect the offender. Sgt Dickenson also stated that the CCTV showed the offender had been within the venue prior to the stabbing, making it likely that he was armed with a knife whilst inside the premise.

Mr James Hoffelner of Complete Licensing, representing the premises licence holder, stated that the premises are family friendly and well established and has been under control of the licence holder for the past six years. He stated that there had been no prior intervention by the police, and that there was a private wake taking place at the venue after a funeral.

Representations in support of the review were received from Public Health and Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership, as well as from Other Persons. 56 representations in support of the licence holder were also received.

The Public reports pack included Durham County Council's Statement of Licensing Policy and the Section 182 Guidance issued under the Licensing Act 2003.

The options available to the sub-committee were: (a) To take no further action; (b) To modify or add conditions to the licence; (c) Exclude a licensable activity from the licence; (d) Remove the Designated Premises Supervisor; (e) Suspend the licence for a period (not exceeding three months); (f) Revoke the licence.