A REVIEW relating to licence conditions at the Slug & Lettuce in Chichester will no longer go ahead following further discussions between Sussex Police and the pub’s senior management team.
The two parties met this week and reached a ‘mutually acceptable agreement’.
Jean Irving, Sussex Police’s licensing and public safety manager, said: “Sussex Police had serious concerns regarding the levels of crime and disorder associated with this premises.
“However, following mediation discussions we have been impressed with the positive reaction from senior management of the premises and no longer see the need for a review of the licence.
“In consultation, the senior management team have agreed to voluntary close the premises at 8pm for the next three weekends.
“They must also complete and submit documentation to Chichester District Council’s licensing team to amend the current licence in order to increase the number of door supervisors and reduce the trading hours on the licence by one and a half hours at weekends.
“Other improvements have already been implemented, including a change in the management and the implementation of an identification scanning system which should deter potential troublemakers.”
Chief Inspector Rachel Bacon, Chichester’s District Commander, added: “I am pleased this agreement has been reached and we look forward to working closely with the management of these and other licensed premises to ensure Chichester district remains a safe environment for people to come and enjoy the facilities on offer.”
Graham Jones, chief operating officer for the Slug and Lettuce, said: “The Slug and Lettuce takes its position within the community seriously.
“As a result of concerns expressed by Sussex Police regarding the operation of the business, the company has worked with them to agree a mutually acceptable arrangement going forward.
“New management has been put in place and operational hours have been reduced to 8pm for the next three weekends and, in addition, a new midnight closure on Fridays and Saturdays.
“The business will continue to be part of the local Pub Watch scheme and will further engage with any future local safety initiatives.”