City centre bar to reopen after licence suspension over stabbing

A city centre gay bar will be allowed to reopen after three men were stabbed outside the venue last month.

Gbar on Tithebarn Street in Liverpool had its licence suspended after the incident on 20 September, but will now welcome clubbers again.

Liverpool Council's licensing and gambling sub-committee will permit the venue to open until 08:00 BST, despite Merseyside Police recommending a 06:00 BST closure.

The hearing was told the venue had made changes to staffing and training since the incident.

Police confirmed three men were charged following the stabbing.

They appeared at Wirral Magistrates Court in September ahead of a crown court hearing later this month.

Sarah Taylor, acting on behalf of the bar's owners, told councillors the management and door staff on duty on 20 September had all been dismissed and a new designated premises supervisor (DPS) appointed.

PC Nicola Ireland said the stabbing had been preceded by several incidents that were not reported to police, including an affray involving about 10 people and later allegations involving a weapon, assault and sexual assault.

The hearing was told there was inadequate CCTV coverage of those incidents.

PC Ireland said this demonstrated "a culture" of failing to report matters to police.

Taylor said the venue had since taken steps to improve standards, including introducing additional staff training.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.