Old Mess House shut to protect the public

CLOSED . . . The Old Mess House has been shut down ahead of a licence review following violent incidents

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28-day closure pending review of escalating violence

AN Oldham pub has been closed after a series of violent incidents, including the death of a young reveller.

New Oldham police chief Tim Forber used emergency procedures under the Licensing Act to take action against the Old Mess House, Yorkshire Street, after Andy Molloy (25) died from head injuries following a brawl outside.

An application from the police to Oldham Council has resulted in a licensing panel shutting down the pub for 28 days before a full review of its licence can take place. This could result in the pub being shut down permanently or strict conditions being imposed on its licence.

The application has been submitted on the basis that the premises are associated with crime and disorder. It states: “The licence-holder and his team have a total disregard for the licensing objectives and their duty of care to the public.”

It lists a catalogue of incidents, including the death on Monday, March 15 of Mr Molloy, from Hathershaw, who was found with serious face and head injuries.

Earlier that night, it alleges, a man was punched in the face in an unprovoked assault and received facial injuries. A further skirmish then took place between two unrelated males who were kicked out of the pub.

Even after the death there are reports of violence. On the following Sunday, March 21, at 2.15am, a man was assaulted in the toilets and received head, eye and facial injuries that resulted in eight stitches. A second man who asked the offenders to stop was also punched in the face.

It resulted in police asking Oldham Council to suspend the licence before a full review, when all the evidence will be disclosed, can be heard.

The application names Patrick Kelly as premises supervisor and states: “To open the premises places members of the public and patrons to the premises in danger.”

Det Sgt John Murdoch, violent crime project co-ordinator, said: “The premises have been closed for 28 days pending a full review of the licence.

“There’s been an escalation of violence in and around the premises over recent weekends, which, as a result of, Chief Supt Forber is taking action.”

Chief Supt Forber said: “My main priority is the welfare and safety of residents in Oldham and after several worrying incidents we were left with no option but to seek an emergency closure order.”

A sign has been attached to the front of the pub explaining the reasons for the closure.

The situation is similar to when Brownz Wine Bar, on Yorkshire Street, was closed — the first time police used the emergency powers — following trouble which spilled on to the street outside and resulted in a triple stabbing. It reopened eight months later after a fresh licensing application was submitted and approved.

Mr Molloy’s family say they will never get over his death but they have taken some comfort from hundreds of tributes left to him.

Louis Patrick Veitch (22), of Yorkshire Street, Oldham, has been charged with manslaughter, common assault and causing actual bodily harm and remanded in custody to await trial.