Owners of Ramshaw steakhouse appeal against suspension of licence following alleged assault

AN appeal by the owners of a Ramshaw restaurant to overturn the temporary suspension of their premises licence has been turned down.

Durham Police made an application for a review into the licence at Big Joe’s Steakhouse following an incident, which was alleged to have taken place nearby on January 16.
Durham County Council’s licensing sub-committee heard how the victim had sustained a fractured jaw after he was allegedly punched in the face and threatened with a metal bar.
As a result, the committee decided to take interim measures and suspend the licence from Friday, January 20. The designated premises supervisor was also removed.
The premises licence holder, Joseph Cunningham Snr, was not present at the first committee meeting.
Mr Cunningham and the designated premises supervisor, his son Joseph Cunningham Jnr, were asked to attend a second committee meeting at County Hall last Wednesday (January 26).
A letter from the licence holder and character references were submitted to the committee. The committee was then tasked with deciding whether to keep the interim steps in place or choose other measures such as licence modifications.
Mr Cunningham wrote: “We will provide proof of our conduct towards our customers and staff by giving personal statements from our customers and staff that we run a very clean and family orientated premises.
“We have a strict policy that we do not allow any foul language or rude or boisterous behaviour.
“We have no gangs or yobs and no bad conduct. People who attend our premises are looked after to the point that we will refuse to serve someone if we think they are a danger to the customer, a member of the public or themselves.” A supporting statement from a current employee read: “Being an employee I am there whenever the establishment is open.
“I have never seen or heard any trouble of any kind. I find the Cunningham family excellent to work for.
“They go out of their way to make sure I have everything I need, making sure the kitchen and the rest of the establishment has everything they need.”
A character reference was submitted from a customer who has known the family for the past eight years.
It read: “I have found the family to be very honest, trustworthy, kind and caring people.”
Eric Jordan, who owns Evenwood News, has known the licence holder for 12 years. He also submitted a positive reference, which read: “Over the years Mr Cunningham has always been a friendly and loyal customer.
“Mr Cunningham has built up his business and developed the caravan park to a high standard. The recent reinventing of The Bridge Inn and his dedication to making a success of his ventures has been remarkable.
“Mr Cunningham is an extremely hard worker. In my view, he is honest, committed to the community, a good employer and a good citizen.”
The suspension prevents the sale and supply of alcohol, as well as the provision of entertainment including playing recorded music.
Lorraine Griffiths, representing Mr Cunningham in the meeting, told the committee how the licence suspension had been “detrimental” to the business.
Durham Police’s licensing inspector, Rachel Stockdale, said: “We have not made this application lightly.
“We believe that this is way below the behaviour expected.
“We have had a report from a man explaining the incident laid out in the application which has resulted in some serious injuries. Investigations are still on-going into that.
“Three people were arrested. One has been released with no further action. The other two remain on police bail.”
No charges have yet been made. The committee decided to keep the interim suspension in place.
Committee chairman Cllr Colin Carr said: “We have been through the evidence given and we have given the appropriate weight to what was submitted.
“We can’t see any reason to change to decision made on Friday. The suspension remains.”
A full review hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 14.