ST HELENS Council has warned that its licensing committee will not hesitate in taking action against venues which do not meet high standards - after town centre pub The Duke was shut down due to links to "serious crime and disorder".

As reported last week, Merseyside Police requested a review of The Duke, formerly known as The Duke of Cambridge, on Duke Street with St Helens Borough Council sub-committee.

A hearing took place last month which resulted in the immediate suspension of its licence.

There had been 20 serious incidents of "crime and disorder over three months" - ranging from assaults to sex offences, say police.

A further review hearing took place on December 28 at St Helens Town Hall, and the decision was taken to suspend the pub’s licence for three months.

A submission of evidence by the police was marked restricted, meaning it cannot be accessed and reported on by the Star.

The hearing was also held in private, meaning the Star could not cover the decision-making process.

St Helens Council said the report contains information that relates to "ongoing criminal investigation and a request from Merseyside Police was made to have the hearing held in private due to the nature of the information".

The Duke became the latest venue in the area to lose its licence, with similar action taken against Mollie's and Breeze Bar in recent years.

'We will act'

In a statement, Councillor Kate Groucutt, cabinet member for economy, business and skills, said: "Our ongoing partnership sees us working closely with many venues, police and voluntary sector groups to maintain high standards across St Helens town centre.

"But when a venue does not meet to our standards we can and will act.

"The decision of the Licensing Committee shows we will take the necessary steps to address venues that could not meet these high standards.”

Cllr Groucutt said that most visitors to nighttime venues "have a fantastic experience in a safe environment", and pointed to the Purple Flag accreditation which recognises places that have good quality nighttime venues.

Meanwhile, Councillor Mancyia Uddin, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities, highlighted an announcement about funding last month, which will aim to improve safety.

She said: "We are always keen to support our businesses and have recently secured funding through the Safer Streets government funding that in consultation with nighttime businesses, we are investing in practical interventions such as improved lighting, signage, marshals and CCTV, to keep people who live, work and visit St Helens safe."

Positive impact

Speaking last week, Community Sergeant for St Helens, Julia Harrison said The Duke had been a hotspot of reported incidents "which has been a cause for concern to us".

She added: “We felt that a review of its licence was necessary as we received 20 reported incidences of serious crime and disorder such as assault, theft, drug use and sexual offences on the premises in the past year.

“Despite numerous attempts to engage with the licensee, continuous breaches in licensing conditions continued at the premises.

“However since its closure we have seen a positive impact over the Christmas and New Year period in the town with a reduction of incidents reported to us in the night time.

“We hope this sends a clear message to any other licensed premises that robust action will be taken when issues arise.

“St Helens has achieved Purple Flag status which recognises the town as being a safe place for people to visit and enjoy a good night out.

"We are determined to keep this status, which highlights the excellent partnership work between Merseyside Police and the local authority.”

Police have previously taken similar action  in recent years against nearby pubs, with Mollie's Bar and Breeze bar both shutdown due to crimes.

To report an incident contact Merseyside Police's social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.

You can also call or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.