A pub in Smethwick that was the scene of a stabbing during what police described as an 'out of control' event is set to have its licence reviewed. Sandwell Council will investigate the Soho Foundry Tavern on Foundry Lane following a violent incident last month where two men were stabbed.
Details of the Incident
The stabbings occurred outside the pub at around 9.25pm on May 26. Two men were injured in the altercation. Following the incident, police charged 19-year-old Andre Gomes from Northfield with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon. Edson Silva, 18, from Lozells, was later charged with two counts of attempted murder and possession of a knife, appearing before Birmingham Magistrates Court earlier this month. A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named due to his age, was also charged with the same offences.
Police Concerns and Licence Suspension
West Midlands Police expressed serious concerns about the management of the pub and called for its licence to be suspended until a full review could be conducted. The licence was initially suspended on May 29 but was reinstated on June 12 with several conditions, following a request from licence holder Karen Clifford's solicitor, Duncan Craig.
Karen Clifford has been the licence holder and designated premises supervisor since 2005. Her solicitor argued that it was correct to 'press pause' and suspend the licence but called for reinstatement with conditions, including installing CCTV and informing police in advance of large events, to allay concerns.
Police Statement on Event Management
West Midlands Police informed the interim hearing, held in private on May 29, that the event had a very significant number of attendees for a small pub, which would usually require significant planning and security measures. Despite this, no risk assessment had been carried out. Police were not called when the event began to spiral out of control, although Ms Clifford told bouncers to prevent further entry due to unacceptable behaviour.
Police stated that the event was out of control due to the significant number of people, the small size of the premises, and the lack of planning. Sandwell Council's licensing committee is scheduled to meet on June 25 to make a final decision on the licence.
