Resort imposes strict rules on notorious bar

The Blue Lounge on Nicholas Street was handed a strict list of conditions after police blamed it for fuelling some of the alcohol-related violence across the town.

Last month the reported that police figures showed there had been 62 incidents in the past year with people having teeth knocked out and being attacked with broken bottles and glasses.

Now a meeting of the borough’s licensing committee has imposed nine additional conditions on the bar. These include: CCTV footage to be securely stored for a minimum of 21 days, a minimum of two SIA registered door supervisors in place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at 9pm, and in addition, one door supervisor per 100 people. In addition on Bank Holidays, Sundays and Mondays, or any special event in the town centre, including high profile sports events, North Yorkshire Police can demand additional door supervisors.

Licensable activities are also to stop at 3am on New Year’s Day, all children under 18 to leave the premises before 9pm and all door supervisors to wear high visibility jackets so they are easily identifiable.

Sufficient lighting is to be installed at all exits to enable clear CCTV coverage and to promote public safety and the footpath next to the premises to be cleared of debris at closing time each day.

Inspector Tony Quinn said: “We welcome the decision of the Licensing Committee to implement the joint statement between North Yorkshire Police and Cameron’s Brewery. We will continue to play our part in supporting a flourishing night time economy in Scarborough, but our priority must remain public safety. The way forward is for Police and licensed premises to work together which is what this new agreement between ourselves and Blue Lounge will hopefully achieve.”

No-one from the Blue Lounge was available for comment.