Calls for review of Killingworth pub licence
by Austen Shakespeare · ChronicleLiveA Killingworth pub could see its license reviewed following concerns and complaints from locals next week.
North Tyneside Council's licensing committee will gather next Monday to hear an application to review the licence of the Plough Inn, in Killingworth Village. Submissions from the 'Residents First Group Killingworth Village' allege locals have been "kicked, punched, and verbally abused" by patrons of the Sizzling Pub in a recent incident but also maintain the pub has been a source of trouble for some time.
The submission from the group also details allegations of customers urinating in the street, as well as smashed bottles and pint glasses littering nearby residential streets.
The community group goes on to say, "We believe that the culture of the pub can be changed and redefined if the correct steps are taken". Such suggested measures include reducing the opening times and earlier last orders.
According to council documents, 14 members of the community group have supported a call for the review, with one further written representation from outside the group. However, the local authority has also received 38 representations of support for the pub, with many stating that the local watering hole is well-run and an important community asset, and not a source of issues.
One supporter wrote: "Over the years in which I have been associated with the Plough, I have seen it become and remain a pillar in the local community. It has always been a supporting environment in which I have witnessed staff welcome groups from neighbouring special needs schools to take part in independence skills activities on a weekly basis."
Another said: "This public establishment is an important part of Killingworth's life. It is not a rowdy bar, it is a place where people have congregated and socialized for many a year.
They continued: "In the main, this bar is very quiet and a good place for a lot of people to enjoy a meal and have a social drink"
A self-described life-long Killingworth local added: "Is there any evidence of crimes being committed either inside or outside The Plough? I haven't heard of any. Like any establishment anywhere, there may well be the odd occasion whereby incidents may occur but in my experience over the years I have hardly seen any."
Councillors will gather at North Tyneside Council's Cobalt HQ at 10 am on Monday, October 28, to hear representations. Mitchells & Butlers Leisure Retail Ltd, of which Sizzling Pubs forms part, was approached for comment.
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