Football club criticised by police over alcohol sales

Police chiefs are asking councillors to revoke the premises licence for Bradford Park Avenue’s social club at the Horsfall Stadium.

Their concerns centre on the sale of alcohol to supporters at a play-off final between Bradford and FC United of Manchester on May 6.

A police statement has claimed that the club did not take a responsible approach to the sale of alcohol when the atmosphere turned nasty.

The statement, contained in a report to council licensing chiefs who meet on August 16, said the “sudden change in mood of the supporters” was fuelled by alcohol.

“The bar was still open for the sale of alcohol and there appeared to be no concerns or any responsibility being taken from the bar staff, Bradford Park Avenue committee or designated premises supervisor who at that time was not present within the bar.”

Officers asked for the bar to be closed until after the game but this was “flatly refused”, according to police.

The police claim that director Kevin Holdsworth was spoken to “but would not or could not comprehend the potential seriousness of the situation and that he has basically refused an instruction not only from the police but the Ground Safety officer.”

It concludes: “The premises and those that involved in the running of Bradford Park Avenue are failing to see that it is their responsibility to run their premises professionally.”

The club declined to comment.