A County Durham pub is set to reopen with a new landlord and new safety conditions after a man was seriously injured in a ‘violent’ glass attack there.
The King's Head in Cockfield had its license suspended by Durham County Council on August 1 after an incident which police described as a "sustained, violent and entirely unprovoked" assault leaving a man with life changing injuries.
The pub could now reopen in a matter of weeks after a meeting of Durham County Council's licensing sub-committee agreed to lift the suspension on Monday (August 24).
Salvus House in Durham, where Durham County Council is now meeting following the closure of County Hall in Aykley Heads.
(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
However, this decision comes with conditions, including the site being under new management.
Concerns were raised by residents - who had previously rallied to support the venue to keep its license - about the bar staff's job security, with new leadership set to be taken on to run the venue.
Jason French, director of operations for FB Taverns, said in response: “Employment of staffing will be done by the new tenant.
“We are all victims of this situation and we took responsibility on our shoulders for what we should have had in place and we expect the tenant to uphold that.
“It is not to punish anyone, the circumstances have created this situation.”
The King’s Head will also have to install CCTV cameras, introduce a new ‘incidents register’ and new drugs policy, as well as ensuring all staff are fully trained in new systems.
Measures will also have to be taken to lower noise levels at night, with new signage set to go up.
It is understood that licensing officers and the police will be invited to inspect the changes made before the official reopening, which could happen as soon as September 14.
Sgt Gavin Rutter of Durham Police said: “We are satisfied there has been a significant improvement to the safeguards at the pub,” and confirmed a new tenant would have no connections to previous management.
A previous hearing at County Hall was told the victim of the ‘attack’ was repeatedly pushed before being struck several times to the head and face with a drinking glass in front of his young son.
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He suffered a broken nose, a fractured jaw in two places, a ruptured tendon in his hand and required reconstructive surgery.
“We will always work with the authorities to make sure we run safe and professional venues and what happened today is good news for the community,” Mr French told The Northern Echo.
“We hope to welcome people back to The King’s Head as soon as possible.”
Durham Police previously said a suspect has been identified and attempts will be made to arrest them.
In a new update, the force said the investigation is ongoing.