Local Democracy Reporting Service
Manchester City CouncilA bar where a brawl broke out outside involving a baseball bat and metal bars can stay open with restrictions, a council meeting said.
Footage shows a man, who was allegedly asked to leave Bar 11 in Manchester but refused to move from its entrance, apparently make a call before a car arrived with a passenger threatening staff with the bat, police told a licensing meeting.
It heard the designated premises supervisor (DPS) of the Bridge Street venue picked up a metal stand “to defend himself” and, along with two workers, followed the man holding a bat as he returned to the car.
The DPS then smashed its windows during the 7 July incident, prompting the city’s council to dismiss him from the post.
Councillors said they considered cancelling the bar’s licence but have instead decided to restrict its opening hours and alcohol sales.
Manchester City CouncilBarbara Gora, who is legal adviser to the licensing panel, said it understood “the need to defend themselves but it was clear they lost control”.
“Instead of seeing if customers were safe inside, they pursued them and smashed the vehicle, putting other road users in danger.”
She said the bar had “not previously come to the attention of police” and she was disappointed the DPS did not attend the meeting.
The bar will not be able to open until it has a new DPS and licensed door staff, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
Two men, aged 38 and 41, have been charged with offences including affray, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and assault.
