2 days ago
Manchester bar's opening hours cut after brawl with metal bars
A bar where a brawl broke out outside involving a baseball bat and metal bars can stay open with restrictions, a council meeting 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 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 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.
Barbara 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 bar will not be able to open until it has a new DPS and licensed door staff, the Local Democracy Reporting Service men, aged 38 and 41, have been charged with offences including affray, possession of an offensive weapon in public place and assault.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
