Support grows to keep bar running

By [dhoffman]

A MASSIVE campaign of support has been mounted for a Bridport bar after its licence was called into question.

West Dorset District Council's licensing subcommittee is reviewing No 10 in East Street after police raised concerns about crime, disorder and public safety.

The bar's licence is not expected to be revoked but the terms, such as opening hours and capacity figures, may be altered.

The council said it was stepping in as police had regularly attended incidents of disorder at the premises during 2008 and 2009.

But a Facebook group calling for the bar to be kept open has attracted more than 1,000 members and town councillors spoke out in support of it on Monday night.

Owner for more than five years Paul Hindes, 66, said the venue prides itself on providing a platform for young and inexperienced musicians and he was concerned the council may enforce strict regulations restricting the bar to accommodating 60 people, including staff, which would make the business no longer financially viable. He currently employs 16 staff.

He said: "I don't really run this place to make a profit. We use what other people would call profit to underwrite our music programme for young people who have never had the chance to play gigs before. We book them and pay them.

"We also support the programmes for the local rugby club and donate money to various children's charities.

"If we are only allowed 60 people in on our busiest nights we just won't make enough money and I'd have to think about calling it a day. The staff have also been really upset about this because we think it is one of the best-run places in Bridport."

No 10 has permission to open 24 hours a day but usually closes by 2am on Friday and Saturday nights, and midnight to 1am on other nights of the week.

Mayor Martin Ray told councillors: "No 10 is an important part of Bridport and it does a lot for the young people especially. My son has played there. I know there are reports of fighting outside but I think that is people who have been refused entry for whatever reason and then the doorman phones the police."

Paramedic and town councillor Philip Lathey said: "I am out on the streets on Friday and Saturdays and I feel that No 10 is getting blamed for a large number of things that aren't actually happening there. The doormen there are very good."

Mr Hindes confirmed he does ask door staff to report any trouble in the street to the police but says those incidents have then been wrongly linked to the bar.

A three-member licensing subcommittee is due to consider the options for the premises next Friday, February 12. Mr Hindes will present his case during proceedings.