By Ian Duncan

Last updated at 19:25, Monday, 28 January 2013

Police want a Carlisle nightspot shut down after it was linked to an “alarming number” of violent incidents.

They say the running of Time Bar, on Botchergate, is “totally inadequate” with officers called there 124 times in two years, according to a new report.

In a document submitted to Carlisle City Council’s licensing department, Inspector Mark Gilroy said there was a “disproportionate level of police callouts to the premises” and “evidence of continuing crime and disorder”.

He added: “Despite meeting on three occasions with the owners, door supervisor and Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), and the implementation of three action plans, the level of violent and antisocial behaviour incidents continues with casualties suffering substantial injuries.”

The report states that as far back as 2010 police raised concerns about the number of calls to the bar and the first meeting was arranged in December of that year to find a solution.

Between December 16 2010, and July 18 2011, there were 64 incidents – 43 of which were after 3am when other bars and clubs had closed.

Inspector Gilroy, who heads the police team covering Botchergate, was also critical of the management and overall supervision of the club which had resulted in three breaches of the licensing objectives and the “greatest number of calls to police relative to the size and opening hours” of the business.

He said that Time was “the smallest club open for the least hours” and that all the incidents were alcohol-related crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour – including GBH.

Between July 2011 and December 2012 there were a further 61 incidents reported to the police – 30 of which were after 3am.

On one occasion, police say, a customer staying at the nearby Ibis Hotel complained at 4.16am saying that the noise was “terrible” – one of a number of complaints from the public

Inspector Gilroy said: “The everyday running of the club is totally inadequate. A lack of competent supervision by managers compromised customer safety and causes a public nuisance.

“For two years police have tried to work alongside the managers of Time Bar in order to make it a safer and more enjoyable place to visit.

“Three action plans have proved unsuccessful leaving us with no other option than to ask for a licensing review and closure of the premises.”

The joint owners of the bar were named as Ben Greenslade and John Heron – with Mr Greenslade named as the DPS. Neither was available for comment.

First published at 19:22, Monday, 28 January 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk