A RHYL bar has been ordered to close down for posing a risk to the public and police.

Members of Denbighshire County Council’s licensing sub-committee have revoked the licence of The Barrell, on Water Street, after hearing of a series of incidents both inside and outside the premises.

Chief Inspector Andrew Williams recounted one recent incident in which a young woman was “disfigured for life” when struck in the face by a glass.

North Wales Police sought a review of the licence claiming the level of violence was the result of how the business was being run, including violent incidents remaining unreported and door staff who allowed entry to drunken customers.

On Tuesday, November 20 an assault occurred in the area which was not reported, and a week later drunken youths who were admitted to the bar became involved in a fight in the early hours of Tuesday, November 27.

The Chief Inspector told the sub-committee it was the worst-run premises he had come across in 24 years of experience.

Ch Insp Williams said:“Continuing the operation of the premises in its current form is simply dangerous.”

The Force’s licensing manager Aaron Hagass agreed: “It cannot be allowed to continue.”

The Chief Inspector said that despite efforts to resolve the situation with the licensee, problems had continued.

Barrister Brian Rothwell told the committee that the current licensee, Ian McAllister, had been in post only since September 24 and that his son, Mark, who had previously been in charge, was barred from the premises

However, Ch Insp Williams noted that Mark McAllister had been caught enter the premises on CCTV.

Mr Rothwell said it would be unfair and disproportionate to penalize Mr McAllister Senior so soon after taking over, but he was prepared to close the bar at 1am instead of 3am as at present.

The police, however, said that was unacceptable because most of the incidents occurred after midnight.

Ian McAllister told the meeting that since taking over he had improved the CCTV system, sacked several members of staff and ensured that all staff were properly trained.

“I have instigated everything that I have been asked to do,” he said.

In the committee’s formal decision, council solicitor Alison Lessels said that although Mr McAllister had only recently taken over the serious incidents had continued and the committee had no confidence in the way the place was being run.

“It is too little, too late,” she said.

After the hearing Mr McAllister said he would be appealing against the revocation, for which he has 21 days to do so.