Barnoldswick bar licence suspended after appeal

An appeal by a Barnoldswick bar against the suspension of its premises licence has been dismissed by Burnley Magistrates’ Court.

AJ’s, which closed earlier this year, appealed against a decision by Pendle Council’s Licensing Committee to suspend its premises licence for eight weeks.

The appeal was heard at Burnley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 21st, and Tuesday, September 22nd.

The court dismissed the appeal and ordered the premises to pay £2,675 in costs to Pendle Council.

The licence review followed a number of complaints about noise and anti-social behaviour associated with the venue, dating back to June 2024.

At a licensing hearing in April, the council’s Licensing Committee decided to suspend AJ’s premises licence for eight weeks.

The committee also agreed that the permitted licensing hours should be reduced to 11.30pm, with the venue required to close by midnight.

Neil Watson, Pendle Council’s assistant director of planning, building control and regulatory services, said the council welcomed the court’s decision.

He said: “We welcome the court’s decision to dismiss the appeal and to award the council its costs.

“The licensing process is there to ensure premises operate responsibly and that the licensing objectives, including the prevention of public nuisance and anti-social behaviour, are upheld.”

Coun. Mohammad Hanif, the council’s portfolio holder for licensing, said noise and anti-social behaviour could have a significant impact on residents and the wider community.

He added: “We will continue to take appropriate action where there is evidence that licensing objectives are not being met.

“We hope this decision provides reassurance to residents that their concerns are taken seriously and that we will use the powers available to us to protect the local community.”