Licensing committee ruling - Molotov Cocktail & Vodka Bar

A Worthing bar will retain its licence to operate after a ruling by Worthing Borough Council's licensing committee.

Sussex Police asked for a review of the premises licence held at Molotov Cocktail & Vodka Bar in Chatsworth Road, Worthing, citing a series of incidents which it claimed undermined the licensing objectives and breached associated conditions.

Councillors made a decision after a hearing last week which took place virtually to allow for social distancing.

After considering the case against Home Office guidance, the Council's own licensing policy and relevant licensing legislation, the committee resolved to take no action.

The findings said:

“The reasons for the decision were that the committee considered all the relevant evidence in this matter but was not satisfied that the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety were being undermined by the licence holder. They did not consider that the evidence before them was proportionate to take any action given the minor nature of any failures.”

However, the licensing committee did recommend that the licence holder provided regular body worn video training and ID checker scanner training moving forward.

It also requested the police and the licence holder liaise regularly to work together to uphold and promote the licensing objectives.

To read the full decision please see our licensing webpage.

(PR20-123)