Rajinder Singh, the owner of the Prince of Wales in West Bromwich High Street, will face Sandwell Council’s licensing committee after an assault involving the pub’s bouncers last month.
West Midlands Police said it had received a call from a member of the public because “three people were bleeding from the head” after an incident at the Prince of Wales at around 12.30am on November 16.
The force said the incident started inside the High Street pub, which opens until 11pm and 12.30am at weekends, and spilled out onto the street.
Officers reported a section 18 wounding with intent, section 20 assault and section 47 assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH) and were investigating the possession of an offensive weapon.
The force said it was concerned the incident involved the pub’s staff and bouncers.
Sandwell Council’s licensing committee temporarily suspended the pub’s licence on November 19 ahead of a full hearing.
The committee, which has the power to change or revoke the licence, meets on December 11 to decide whether to make the suspension permanent.
The minutes from the private hearing on November 19 said the incident involved the pub’s door staff who had “physically assaulted” customers and used a weapon.
Security had thrown punches and used “excessive force,” the report continued.
West Midlands Police said the ‘offensive weapon’ used during the incident had been kept behind the bar – and handed to the pub’s bouncers by bar staff who were aware that a weapon was stored there.
West Midlands Police said licence holder Rajinder Singh had “done nothing” during the incident and watched on.
He said he ‘knew nothing’ about security or bar staff – offering them ‘cash in hand’ and was unaware of their immigration status, according to the licensing report.
West Midlands Police said it was clear from CCTV footage that the incident had “escalated unnecessarily.”
Rajinder Singh, who has held the pub’s licence since 2005, said it was the first time he had experienced such a serious incident and he did not get involved in the disorder because he is diabetic.
During the initial hearing, Sandwell Council’s licensing committee said Mr Singh was “naive” and did not appreciate the severity of the incident or his responsibilities as licence holder and designated supervisor for the Prince of Wales.
West Bromwich BID supported Mr Singh saying the Prince of Wales was a “responsible pub” that has continued to promote the licensing objectives – adding that the boozer was a “big part of the West Bromwich community.”
Source – Birmingham Mail
