Slate wiped clean on pub’s bad past
Reporter: Marina Berry
Date published: 21 April 2010
OLDHAM’S troubled Old Mess House will reopen next week, with a new name and a new licensee.
The Yorkshire Street pub was closed more than three weeks ago after a catalogue of violent incidents spanning more than a year.
They culminated in the death of 25-year-old Andy Molloy, of Falmouth Street, Hathershaw, who died from head injuries following an incident outside the pub.
Oldham’s Licensing Panel met yesterday to decide on its future, and agreed it should reopen on April 29, provided it complies with a strict list of conditions.
The licence for the premises has been transferred from Patrick Kelly to his son, Ryan, who told the panel it would reopen with a new name, The Corner House.
His legal representative, David Dadd, said it would operate under a new regime, and undergo a refurbishment to make it light and bright, with improved digital CCTV cameras, plastic glasses, a dress code, and a minimum of four door supervisors on duty on Thursdays, Fridays and weekend evenings.
“The conditions will be met before we open, and if they are not met by April 29 it will not open then,” said Mr Dadd, adding: “A new broom sweeps clean.”
Graham Robinson, representing Greater Manchester Police, said there had been a “complete change in approach” from those responsible for the Old Mess House, which dealt with concerns about the running of the premises and the reluctance of the previous licensee to work with the police.
The pub was closed after new Oldham police chief Tim Forber used emergency procedures under the Licensing Act.
And Mr Robinson said Chief Supt Forber was now satisfied that an agreement with the new licensee, Ryan Kelly, met police concerns and would resolve the difficulties relating to the premises.
Licensing Panel member Olwen Chadderton said there had been 71 offences in the 12 months before the pub’s closure, which she described as “outrageous.”
And she expressed reservations about the change of name, highlighting the historical significance of Old Mess House, dating back to its use as a meeting place for the Oldham militia in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Licensing panel chairman, Councillor Val Sedgwick, warned the new licensee: “We don’t want to see you back here again.
“Do a good job and we will see how it goes, we shall be keeping an eye on The Corner House.”
