A bar that closed after a “horrific attack” hospitalised a customer with life-threatening injuries has applied to reopen under new management. 

Memory Lane in Seaham closed in May after the police and Durham County Council raised concerns with the venue’s management following the incident. 

A Durham County Council licensing committee ruled there are “clear failings” with the business and said staff lacked training. The victim was found lying unconscious with significant blood loss after the attack. He fractured both eye sockets, lost three teeth, and had surgery on his jaw.

A female at the pub was heard shouting “he’s nearly dead”, however, the police were not called. 

Memory Lane in Seaham closed in May after the police and Durham County Council raised concerns with the venue’s management following the incident. Memory Lane in Seaham closed in May after the police and Durham County Council raised concerns with the venue’s management following the incident. (Image: The Northern Echo)

Premises supervisor Emma Bird has since appealed the decision, which will be considered at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court in February 2025. 

A new application has been submitted by Mrs Terrie Price, who hopes to become the new Designated Premises Supervisor. The new bid for a license includes daily opening hours between 9am-11pm, with an extension to 1am for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. 

A previous licensing meeting said there was an ongoing family feud regarding the ownership of the premises and management of the CCTV system. 

If approved, several conditions backed by Durham Constabulary will be added to the licence to make it a safer venue for customers. 

A council report states: “A CCTV system will be installed and always in operation. It will cover entrances, exits and the point of sale and any outdoor seating area. CCTV recordings will be retained for a minimum of 28 days. The CCTV will be checked to be in working order each week and details kept in a register. 

“All incidents of a criminal nature will be reported to the police as soon as possible. 

“The premises will have a zero-tolerance drugs policy in place. Any person seen to be using drugs on the premises will be ejected immediately and barred for a minimum period of 12 months. 

“There will be a zero tolerance of staff drinking alcoholic beverages whilst on duty.”

One member of door staff would also be required to work every Saturday night. 

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However, Durham County Council’s licensing department objects to the licensing application, claiming the venue will not be run by Mrs Price but by other people linked to the venue. 

“Due to the ongoing situation with the partnership at the premises the Licensing Authority has no confidence that the premises will be properly run,” said Nicola Anderson, licensing enforcement officer. 

The licence is due to be considered by Durham County Council on Tuesday, November 19.