Unlicensed 'free bar' Innsatiable forced to close

Under a closure order issued by magistrates, on the request of police, the premises will remain closed until all alcohol is removed from the property. Innsatiable, meanwhile, has said it will operate at a premises next door.

Surrey Police said it applied for the bar to shut following complaints from other licensed premises in the town about its failure to meet legal requirements and from the community about excessive noise.

“Innsatiable has been operating in Farnham over the past couple of years both with and without a licence. At its launch, the bar was operating without a premises licence, claiming to be a furniture shop where alcohol was given away free but selling beer mats and furniture instead.

“This activity caused the Waverley Safer Neighbourhood Team concern as the premises was not operating in compliance with the Licensing Act 2003, which was brought in to prevent crime and disorder and protect youngsters from harm. Similarly, local publicans and members of the public raised complaints about the operation to the police and partner agencies.”

Police inspections​

The venue did secure a licence but a number of police inspections uncovered licensing breaches and a closure notice issued. The licence was surrendered last October and the venue reverted to its previous approach of ’giving away’ alcohol. This gave “further cause for concern in relation to a number of licensing incidents and issues at the bar”. 

Borough Commander Tom Budd said: “I hope the action taken demonstrates the robust stance Surrey Police will take against any unauthorised sale of alcohol, whether it be operating where there is no licence in force or where premises breach their licence or conditions.”

Writing on its Facebook page, Innsatiable said it would “not make the same silly mistakes again” and will “make it very clear that all alcohol is indeed free” when it opens what it called “Club Innsatiable” at an address next to the closed premises.

According to the Facebook post, the new venue will be open and showing the World Cup on a 100 inch screen and with two TVs.

In 2012 Innsatiable owner Simon Atkins told the Publican’s Morning Advertiser​ that the concept could grow rapidly to as many as 25 sites in under two years.