Manchester pub has licence revoked after brawl involving machete and gun but a second is allowed to stay open

A pub in Manchester which was banned from serving customers after a huge brawl ‘involving a machete and a gun’ has had its licence revoked.

The Queens Hotel, on Sedgeford Road in Harpurhey, had its licence temporarily suspended after the incident on 12 March which was thought to be connected to organised crime groups, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

GMP confirmed two men – aged 57 and 37 – were later arrested on suspicion of possessing ammunition for a firearm without a certificate. A 37-year-old man also attended hospital with injuries that aren’t believed to be life-threatening, the force added.

A summary review from the licensing sub committee at Manchester City Council was told that the Queens Hotel would have its licence revoked, so the suspension will remain in force.

The Vine, on Glendower Drive in Collyhurst, also had its licence temporarily suspended following the spate of violence. But the pub has been able to carry on trading after sacking the manager.

Despite both pubs being connected to the incident, according to GMP, the Vine was allowed to begin serving again after it took steps to improve safety at the venue.

What was said about The Vine at the sub-committee?

Christopher Grunert, a lawyer speaking on behalf of The Vine’s licensee Andrew Mitchell, explained to the committee that the pub had now securely locked away the CCTV system after it had been stolen during the incident, the reasons for which remain unclear to GMP.

The committee at the town hall also heard that the designated premises supervisor (DPS) in charge on the day of the incident had been sacked by Mr Mitchell.

The reason given for this was that the DPS hadn’t seen what happened to the system or he was not co-operating with police investigations, both of which were deemed “unacceptable” by the pub owner. It is believed the CCTV system was “forcibly removed” when a fight broke out in the car park outside The Vine which involved pool cues.

A machete and firearm were both described in the incident as the situation escalated, police statements confirmed.

“During this incident the CCTV system from inside the premises was forcibly removed, which was not reported to GMP,” a police report said. “Given the connection of The Vine to the incident and the severity of what took place and the serious levels of violence GMP has serious concerns that there is a risk of further recriminating actions which places members of the community at an immediate risk of harm.”

A second police report then stated that “it is believed that the persons involved in this serious incident are connected to the Queens Hotel”.

To ensure the Vine’s commitment to the safety of their establishment, Mr Grunert, of John Gaunt and Partners Licensing Solicitors, proposed two new conditions to their alcohol and entertainment licence: CCTV shall be stored in a secure manner and that CCTV footage will be sent to a facility off site so footage can be stored elsewhere. This proposal was accepted by the committee who then agreed with GMP’s Divisional Licensing Officer Alan Isherwood that the licence suspension should be lifted.

What was said about the Queens Hotel and the incidents involving the two pubs?

The press and public were excluded from the separate review into the Queens Hotel for legal reasons. Upon learning of his pub’s fate, Queens Hotel custodian Stephen Dale simply stated he would be appealing to the courts regarding the decision to stop them serving.

A local politician has also spoken about the violent incident involving the two pubs. Coun Pat Karney, who represents Harpurhey in the council chamber, said: “I wasn’t involved in the legal process but if you bring guns and violence to Collyhurst you will face serious consequences. The Vine is in last saloon territory and I hope the new management make it a success.”