Pub can reopen after alleged assault took place outside

A pub in Oldham will reopen to the public for the first time since police ordered the venue to shut down following an alleged assault. 

Church Inn on Oldham Road will reopen from Thursday, November 19, after being forced to close from November 1. Greater Manchester Police were called out to an incident ‘outside the pub’ during the night of October 31, following reports of a violent attack. 

A 31-year-old man was arrested at the scene and later charged with GBH, affray and possession of a class A substance. Harry Hesketh, of Plane Road, Failsworth, attended Tameside Magistrates Court earlier this month, where he was granted bail ahead of a plea hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court on December 8. 

As a result of the incident, GMP ordered the pub to shut down for 48 hours. They later suspended the pub’s license during an emergency licensing meeting, meaning Church Inn has been unable to trade for more than two weeks.

Now the pub, run by Robinsons brewery – has successfully appealed the suspension at a licensing hearing on Tuesday, November 18.

Police, council officers, and a representative for the pub met to confirm conditions for reopening. After reviewing CCTV footage, GMP recommended a strengthening of security measures in place, including removing the existing door team with immediate effect and replacing them with SIA trained staff from security firm Capricorn. 

Two security guards will be on site from 9.30pm to 11pm on Friday and Saturday, with an additional security guard joining after midnight until close. 

GMP representative Julian Addison and council staff approved the lifting of the suspension until December 1, when the Church Inn’s license will be reviewed in full by a licensing panel.