Police call for urgent licence review of Boars Head pub in Blackpool after England v Argentina stabbing
“The most recent incident at the premises was a serious assault where a male was stabbed.”
Police are calling for the review of a Blackpool pub’s licence after a stabbing incident occurred there following a live screening of the tense World Cup match between England and Argentina.
The licence review of the Boars Head, on Preston Old Road, will be made by Blackpool Council’s licensing panel on September 16.
The Force says the disturbing incident and previous ones raise serious questions about the pub’s premises licence.
The incident occurred on July 15, when England were knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina after a 1-2 defeat and a disturbance began in the pub.
What police say
Lancashire Police stated in their submission to the panel: “The review is brought about following concerns around the venue’s promotion of the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.
“Over the course of the last 12 months, there have been several fights at or outside the venue.
“There is a clear pattern of violent behaviour involving customers, which escalated over the World Cup on nights when England were playing.
“The most recent incident at the premises was a serious assault where a male was stabbed. This started as a disagreement in the venue, which then became a fight in the adjacent road between numerous customers.
“It eventually led to one male being stabbed, collapsing in the pub car park and still in a critical condition in hospital.
“This happened on the night England played Argentina in the world cup semi-final. The actions of the door staff did not help the situation – when the argument started in the venue, the door staff suggested those involved should take it off the premises and sort it out one-on-one.
“They then made no attempt to intervene when the violence erupted on the road outside. This is clearly contrary to the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.
“At the time of the incident, several 16 and 17-year-olds were in the venue and witnessed the fight, culminating in the serious assault.
“There is no evidence either way about whether they were served with or drinking alcohol, but this is clearly contrary to the protection of children from harm, especially the psychological harm of witnessing such a significant event.
“This incident followed a large fight after England’s quarter final against Norway, where a glass was thrown but luckily didn’t hit anyone.
“ The Police would ask that the committee consider the evidence before them and consider whether the venue can safely operate, in promotion of the licensing objectives. We would ask that all options are on the table, from the implementation of stricter conditions on the licence, a change of DPS ( Designated Premises Supervisor) and up to revocation.”
Later in July, long-serving Boars Head landlady Karen Bracegirdle announced on social media that she was leaving the pub after seven years at the helm.
After thanking regulars for their long support, she stated: “In light of recent events, along with ongoing issues over the past couple of years involving antisocial behaviour and noise complaints from the surrounding area—matters that have been completely beyond our control—the licensing authorities have recommended a change in management with immediate effect.”
Managing group Dobiere Pub Group has been approached for a comment.