Macs bar was closed in June last year for a number of weeks due to a police closure order

A Preston bar which was forced to close last year after allegations of underage drinking and violence has overturned its licence ban.

Macs Bar in Friargate was hauled before licensing bosses in July last year for a two day hearing.

Advertisements

Now its owner Andrew MacDonald and his team have declared they will be staying open after lodging an appeal against Preston City Council’s decision.

He took to Facebook to post on Wednesday: “It gives me great pleasure in announcing that MACs Preston is to remain open!

“After a year of listening to nonsense rumours and accusations about my ‘terrible self’ and my club, it has finally come to an end.

“Thank you to my local team and customers and all your support!

“Being hit with a closure notice last year, then having to close for three months, to becoming the first club in the history to win the appeal, then to lose one week later at a council review hearing and having my license taken away, and then to come to an agreement with council bosses to keep our license. Now there’s one for the record books!

“It’s safe to say it was an awful year and financially screwed me and my company, but at the end of it all I’m still standing and so is my club!

“Time to get the show on the road, Macs this Thursday.”

Queues outside the venue on A level results night Pic: Macs bar, Facebook

The club faced a closure order from Lancashire Police’s licensing team, who also asked the city council to revoke Mac’s licence.

However the police said they now feel there has been a real change in attitude from the owners of Macs bar.

Sergeant Tony Bushell, of the police licensing team, said: “As a result of the review, the operators have changed the management of the premises and implemented new operating procedures.

“We have maintained close communication with the premises since July and as such are now satisfied that the premises is promoting the licensing objectives.

“In light of this we have, in consultation with the operators and Preston City Council, imposed a number of conditions on the licence which going forward will assist in the operation of the premises.”

Preston City Council said all parties had reached a decision on Monday 18 January that allowed Macs to retain its licence.

A four day hearing had been scheduled at Preston Magistrates Court, but an agreement between the police, Macs and the council was approved by a District Judge.

Councillor David Hammond, chair of the licensing sub committee hearing, said: “We have agreed suitable licensing conditions with Mac’s Bar. Since the hearing in July the owners have worked to ensure the premises operate in a robust and professional manner.

“They have introduced a number of measures and as such, the premises are operating in accordance with licensing objectives – which are essential to ensure the safety of the public. It is in the interest of everyone that licensed premises operate well.

“Preston has a strong night time economy and this is important to a growing city like Preston. People want a good but also a safe night out and we expect Mac’s Bar to offer this to its customers.”

What do you think of the decision? Do you go to Macs bar? Let us know in the comments below

Advertisements