40-man brawl breaks out at Star pub

Police were called to the Coach & Horses, Liverpool Road, Cadishead, early on Sunday morning (17 September) shortly before 1am.

Posting on the Greater Manchester Police Irlam and Cadishead Facebook page, police officers said they received a call “requesting the cavalry”.

The post read: “A large group, approximately 40 according to our informant, had an altercation inside the Coach & Horses that escalated into a fight and they were refusing to leave the pub.

“Of course, by the time the troops arrived (12.53am) they had left.

“Most were last seen heading along Liverpool Road towards Warrington.”

Officers continued to post about the “very random” incident that happened afterwards, which they believe is possibly linked to the fight.

“Officers carried out an area search with the descriptions given but there was no trace.

“However, one of the party, upon finishing his drink (I’m guessing here) thought it a good idea to throw his glass at a resident's window. As you do."

Precautionary measure

A spokesman for Star said: “We can confirm that there was an altercation in the early hours of Sunday 17 September in the garden of the Coach & Horses, Liverpool Road, Cadishead. 

“Staff called the police as a precautionary measure, however, the incident had already been diffused by the time they arrived on the scene. Staff are assisting the police with their enquiries.”

Legal advice on alcohol causing fights

Publicans can be held responsible if antisocial behaviour occurs due to excessive drinking within the premises. 

Legal specialist Poppleston Allen advised: “It is an offence under the Licensing Act to sell alcohol to someone who is drunk. Therefore a prosecution would only seem possible in the event that there is actual evidence of a sale taking place in your outlet to someone who should have been judged too drunk to be served.

“The difficulty with these situations is that it is such an objective assessment as to whether someone is actually drunk or not – and indeed the law is not entirely clear on where the line should be drawn.

“The more real risk here would seem to be one of a review of the premises licence. Therefore you should take on board any suggestions the police make in an effort to avoid further action.”