Police get tough with Cannock's Bar Sport
A Cannock bar has been forced to make changes after police raised concerns over security following a series of violent incidents.
Staffordshire Police requested a licence review at Bar Sport, in High Green, after being called out to 15 incidents there since January 2015 – eight of which were violent.
During one flare-up at the bar's Premier Suite a man was glassed in the neck.
The man required two blood transfusions and has been left with permanent scarring.
On Christmas Day last year police were called after reports of a man being glassed at the bar. When they arrived, officers found he had suffered a substantial injury to his face, while a woman had a severed tendon in her finger.
On the same evening, a man was hit in the head just outside the venue, leaving him unconscious on the floor. On two occasions, police asked to access CCTV footage, only to be told that it wasn't available, which constitutes a breach of licence.
Police have now asked for all future events held at the Premier Suite, which has welcomed big sporting names including boxers Floyd Mayweather Jnr and Chris Eubank in recent months, to be individually risk assessed.
All drinks served across the whole venue after 10pm must also now only be given out in plastic containers.
Police have also requested a change of designated premises supervisor at the popular bar. All three improvements have been implemented, and a hearing will take place on Wednesday to ensure that protocol continues to be followed.
Bar Sport owner Scott Murray said he had worked closely with police to resolve any issues.
He added: "We work continuously with the police and the licensing authority to try and improve the safety of our venue in whatever way we can. We are still the busiest and safest venue in Cannock and these changes will only improve that reputation.
"We have thousands of people come through our doors every week and percentage wise, these incidents are minimal. There will be no change to the variety of entertainment, events and evenings we host, but we have worked with the police to reach a conclusion that is best for everyone."
A statement to Wednesday's meeting says: "Staffordshire Police have made an application to the licensing authority for a review of the Bar Sport premises license on the basis that there have been breaches of the premises licence and serious incidents."
