Bar owner claims his licence was cut for reporting crimes

A pub owner claims to have had his opening times cut despite complying with police orders to report all crime on his premises.

The Musika bar in the Riverside area of Grimsby, had its permission to sell alcohol until 4am slashed to 2am following a review with North East Lincolnshire Council's Licensing Committee.

The bar is part of Daisy Chain Properties which has 11 venues across the city.

Owner Paul Weeks was called to a meeting with Humberside Police and the licensing authority after 17 crimes took place at the bar between February and May 2007.

He was warned the premises licence would be reviewed if the situation didn't improve and was told to report all crimes.

Weeks then changed the management, door security company and the designated premises supervisor.

However the licensed hours were cut after he reported 16 further incidents, including two assaults, taking place at the Musika between May and December 2007.

Weeks is angry at the decision and says that violent crimes are down.

He said: "It would appear to the police force that we have a high level of trouble, but we actually don't. It's just the fact that we report it and unlike the neighbouring bars we're a lot more public as our exit is at the front."

Neighbouring bars stay open till 4am and a nearby supermarket has a 24-hour licence.

"I feel I am getting blamed for the troubles in the area. I was informed that unless crime was reported no extra resources could be made available. I feel very let down that I have had this turned against me. The council have today sent out a clear message to all licensees that they should not report crime," said Weeks.

A Humberside Police spokesman said: "The decision to review a premises is not taken lightly. There were 33 offences of crime and disorder reported at the premises between February and November 2007. These offences involved violent crime, thefts, and public order offences."