A County Durham bar linked to several serious incidents, including spiking and sexual assault, has had its licence removed indefinitely. 

Bar 23 in Peterlee was the subject of a licensing review by Durham County Council following concerns from the police and local authorities. 

Concerns with the venue’s ownership, management and safety were among several issues discussed at a licensing committee meeting in Durham on Tuesday. Licensing officers told the hearing that there was a lack of accountability and effective management at Bar 23, on Burnhope Way, which also serves as a restaurant. 

Police were called to the venue in the early hours of December 10, 2023, to reports of a spiking and sexual assault incident. However the alleged crime remains unsolved as the police are unable to access the venue’s CCTV footage. A statement by Sgt Caroline Dickenson read: “There is no other viable CCTV or other forms of evidence, and we currently rely on this to identify a suspect. To date, this incident is unresolved.”

The Northern Echo: Bar 23 in Peterlee was the subject of a licensing review by Durham County Council following concerns from the police and local authorities. Bar 23 in Peterlee was the subject of a licensing review by Durham County Council following concerns from the police and local authorities. (Image: Google)

The meeting heard how an individual, who had no involvement with the incident, was initially arrested after being identified as a suspect but was later released without charge. Other reported incidents include criminal damage caused by a hammer, homophobic abuse and burglary. 

Officers from the police and county council told how they had repeatedly tried to contact Reece Adamson, licence holder and Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), on numerous occasions but he did not engage with the process. A response sent to the authorities in February stated his intention to step down from the roles. 

Sgt Dickenson added: “Following numerous incidents of violence, the refusal by staff to provide statements to the police and a seeming inability not only to operate the CCTV system but have in place a fully operational CCTV system which adheres to the condition on their premises licence, Durham Constabulary fully support the decision in requesting a review of the premises licence.

“Time and time again there is evidence that the DPS and managers are unable to operate the premises in a way which promotes the licensing objectives and unable to operate the premises in a way which prevents crime and disorder, and given that incidents are increasing in nature and violence is becoming more prevalent, action needs to be taken.”

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Nicola Anderson, licensing officer, criticised the venue’s “evasive, cavalier attitude towards the authorities”. She said the litany of reported incidents contributed to a “lack of accountability and effective management” and said the licensing authority had no confidence in the ownership. 

Cllr David Brown, chair of the licensing committee, said members were concerned by the litany of serious incidents and repeated breaches of licensing conditions, including lack of CCTV, cooperation, improvements and non-engagement with the authorities. 

“They have hindered the investigation rather than help themselves,” he said. “We have got no confidence in the running of this premises and have no other option but to revoke the licence with immediate effect.”