Police say they have serious doubts about a new manager at a Sleaford pub which was described as the most troublesome in Lincolnshire. The Grapes on Southgate lost its licence in November due to frequent fights, anti-social behaviour and underage drinking.
Owners EDS Sleaford have applied for a new licence under a different manager, Paul Dickinson. However, Lincolnshire Police have objected, saying that nothing would change except the name of the manager.
EDS Sleaford have previously claimed they made all improvements which had been required, which the police dispute. A report on North Kesteven District Council’s website states: “Lincolnshire Police’s objection is on the basis that Mr Dickinson has little experience in owning or managing any licensed premises.
“He is being nominated by the current licence holder EDS Sleaford Ltd, who were the [premises licence holder] during the application to review the licence which resulted in revocation.” The force describes the venue as “high-risk premises with an extensive poor history”.
Police respond to large crowds outside The Grapes during the European Championships
(Image: North Kesteven District Council)
The report says that Lincolnshire Police have other information that they will share at the licensing hearing, which has been scheduled for Monday, January 13. In the previous hearing, police said the pub was the root of the most trouble of any in Lincolnshire, with fights and unregulated crowds spilling onto the road.
The committee agreed that The Grapes’ management was “extremely poor” and they had “no confidence” the owners would follow the rules. EDS Sleaford have also appealed the previous ruling, and can continue operating until it is resolved.
Lucy Darmon, the designated premises supervisor since 2018, has now left. She previously said in a statement with Paul Dickinson in November: “Whilst we are disappointed at the decision to review our licence, we are always open to improvements, and we are confident that the concerns raised by Lincolnshire Police have been fully addressed.
“We do not believe any licence conditions have been breached and have submitted a strong case demonstrating our areas of strength. The Grapes is an integral part of Sleaford’s nightlife and range of hospitality venues, and without this variety, people will likely travel to busier places such as Lincoln.
“This industry has taken a battering over the last few years and we, along with other local bar and restaurant owners, work really hard to encourage people to stay local so that the venues, and town as a whole can thrive.” The LDRS has attempted to contact EDS Sleaford and Paul Dickinson for further comment.