The Seaforth Arms Public House has had its licence suspended by Sefton Council following a large-scale brawl in the early hours of September 21. The incident, which involved metal poles and left several people hospitalised, occurred more than two hours after the pub's licensed closing time.
Merseyside Police have arrested three individuals, including a 15-year-old, in connection with the violence. A fast-tracked licensing review was initiated due to the severity of the disorder and alleged links to a local organised crime group.
Key Takeaways
- The Seaforth Arms pub's licence has been temporarily suspended pending a full hearing in October.
- A violent incident on September 21 resulted in four people being assaulted and hospitalised, including a 16-year-old girl.
- Police allege the pub was operating illegally, with CCTV showing alcohol sales after 3 a.m., well past its 1 a.m. licence.
- Three males, aged 15, 19, and 21, were arrested on suspicion of affray and have been conditionally bailed.
- A police report noted that some individuals involved have links to a local organised crime group.
Details of the Incident
Merseyside Police were alerted to a major disturbance outside the Seaforth Arms at approximately 3:50 a.m. on Saturday, September 21. An anonymous caller reported that a fight, which began among a group of females inside the pub, had moved onto the street.
According to a police report submitted to the licensing committee, the situation escalated significantly when a call was heard to “get the lads.” Shortly after, a group of males arrived at the scene.
The report states these individuals were armed with metal poles and began throwing bottles at people. This led to the assault of four individuals, causing multiple head injuries.
Victims and Injuries
Emergency services discovered several injured parties at the scene. One female was found unconscious and fitting a short distance from the pub. Three other females were also located with various head injuries.
Police confirmed that a woman in her 40s, a man in his 40s, and a 16-year-old girl required hospital treatment. All have since been discharged. The official report also noted that one victim was 17 years old and another individual remained sedated following the incident.
Incident Timeline
- 01:00: Licensed time for last alcohol sale.
- 02:00: Licensed closing time for the public.
- 03:16: Last alcohol sale captured on CCTV.
- 03:50: Police receive an anonymous call reporting a large fight.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Following the incident, Merseyside Police launched an investigation. Three males, aged 19, 21, and 15, were arrested on suspicion of affray. They have since been released on conditional bail while inquiries continue.
The police report highlighted serious concerns, stating, “Some of the parties involved have links to a local organised crime group.” This factor, combined with the severity of the violence, contributed to the decision to seek an expedited review of the pub's licence.
Detective Inspector Sara Lang said: “We believe this incident involved a group of people who all knew each other. Our inquiries are ongoing and we’ve arrested three people in connection with the incident. If you have any information or witnessed what happened, please come forward as it could assist our inquiries.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact them by calling 101 or messaging @MerPolCC on social media, quoting reference number 25000780025. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Licensing Breaches and Council Action
The Seaforth Arms was operating significantly outside its permitted hours. Its premises licence allows for the sale of alcohol until 1:00 a.m. and requires the premises to be closed to the public by 2:00 a.m. on the night of the incident.
However, CCTV evidence showed the last sale of alcohol occurred at 3:16 a.m., more than two hours after the legal cut-off. Police confirmed that no Temporary Event Notice (TEN) was in place to permit the extended hours.
What is a Section 53A Review?
Under the Licensing Act 2003, a Section 53A application allows senior police officers to request a fast-tracked review of a premises licence. This measure is reserved for venues believed to be associated with 'serious crime or serious disorder'. The licensing authority must then consider immediate interim measures, such as suspension, within 48 hours, ahead of a full review within 28 days.
Licence Suspension
Merseyside Police submitted a Section 53A Interim Review Application, arguing that the standard review process would not be quick enough to address the immediate threat to public safety.
The police report stated: “Had this premises closed at the correct time, this incident may never have occurred... At this moment in time the motive for the disorder and assaults is yet to be established and as such we believe that there is a risk that there will be further acts of retaliation.”
During a hearing on Wednesday, September 24, Sefton Council's licensing authority agreed to the police's request for interim measures. The Seaforth Arms' premises licence has been suspended with immediate effect. A full hearing will take place in October, where all parties will have the opportunity to present their case before a final decision is made on the future of the licence.