Consett nightclub dubbed 'the worst venue in County Durham' refused request to reopen

A nightclub, dubbed as "the worst venue in County Durham", has been denied permission to reopen. Despite a new licence holder's request, local police and licensing officers expressed their lack of confidence in Bar 1 operating without issues.

The Consett venue had previously closed its doors following a stabbing incident in December 2023 that resulted in two hospitalisations, leading to it being labelled a threat to public safety.

Despite reopening briefly in February after appealing against Durham County Council’s decision and implementing new safety measures, the venue was forced to close again in July when further incidents were reported and the council's ruling was upheld by a court.

Lisa Cowey, who applied to reopen the venue, promised to prioritise security and saw the opportunity as a chance to advance her career in the pub and bar industry. "I just want to make a better life," she stated.

But Durham Constabulary and the council’s licensing department warned of the venue’s history and potential future events. The meeting was told Bar 1 has accounted for more police time than any other premises in County Durham.

“It probably is the worst venue in County Durham that I have had to deal with,” said Sgt. Caroline Dickenson.

Paul Clark, the solicitor for Durham Constabulary, told the meeting: “After the licence was revoked, it was a further six months before the appeal was heard, and in that time there were further violent incidents including a significant bar brawl where weapons were used.” The incident is being dealt with by the police pending further charges.

Mr Clark added: “The night time economy is a particular problem in this area – and over the last few years, Bar One has been the epicentre of that.

“The applicant, by her own admission, has never held a licence before and although there are many establishments with licences available she chose this particular premises to take over.

“The whole tenor of Ms Cowey’s statement seems very distrusting of the police. This also reflects the attitude of the previous licensees, where both Jody Armstrong and her husband stated in front of the committee and magistrates court that they would never cooperate with the police.

“We’re not here to impact negatively on people, we’re here to protect the public.” Ms Cowey previously worked behind the bar at the venue but the council also raised concerns over her inexperience.

Nicola Anderson, licensing enforcement officer at Durham County Council, said: “There are concerns about the personnel running these premises. Although Lisa has said she has bar experience, Bar 1 is a late-night venue in Consett and is different from the other bars she has run in the past.

“Due to the applicant’s lack of experience in running a bar and close family links to the previous licence holder, we are concerned about the applicant’s ability to uphold the licensing objectives at this problematic premises.”

However Matt Foster, solicitor for the applicant, denied any connection between the individuals. He told the meeting: “One of the big issues has been any connection between my client and the previous operator. There’s been no proof to link the two, aside from a familial connection. They don’t want the premises.

“The applicant has tried a working partnership with the police, she has experience managing premises, she is not in partnership with anyone else, and she’s offered a robust set of conditions. Consider the application on its individual merit; I don’t think that’s been the focus of the presentations made today.”

When asked about her ambitions for the venue, Ms Cowey replied: “Get the business off the ground and make it safe and successful”.

But the licensing committee refused the application to reopen. Councillor Liz Brown said: “The applicant has not proven that she has the experience to uphold the licensing objectives, given special difficulties appertaining to these premises.

“There are established links to those persons previously in control and we are not satisfied that there is sufficient distance from their influence. We have no choice but to refuse this application.”

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