Royal Oak pub must close early

Dec 2 2009 by Carrie Catterall, Wallasey News

A WIRRAL pub must reduce its opening hours after a violent brawl close to its premises.

Following an urgent application from Merseyside Police, members of Wirral Licensing Committee were asked to consider an incident from the early hours of last Monday morning at the Royal Oak public house in Liscard Village.

Police believe the incident initially started as a fight inside the live music venue which then escalated outside and turned very violent.

Numerous police patrols attended and arrested five local men aged, 25, 29, 32, 34 and 35 on suspicion of affray and assault.

They have now been bailed.

After lengthy consideration the panel determined that the licensing hours for the pub should be reduced across the week to 11pm with immediate effect.

This differs greatly to the current hours which allow the premises to open to 2am at the weekend and 1am throughout the rest of the week.

This is not the first time the Royal Oak has been called before a sub committee by the police in relation to incidents of violence and disorder.

A previous sub committee held on July 2, this year, imposed a number of conditions on the licence and reduced the hours of operation.

That decision has been appealed and has not yet come into force.

Superintendent Mike Cloherty said: “We have worked hard to substantially reduce incidents of violence in licensed premises. “Unfortunately, despite the co operation of the management, incidents have continued to occur at the Royal Oak. We welcome the decision of the Licensing Sub Committee in this matter.”

There will be a full review by the licensing committee on December 11.