Police object to rage room alcohol licence bid
BBCPolice have objected to an axe-throwing and rage room venue's application for an alcohol licence.
Bosses at Rage It Out in Consett asked Durham County Council to grant a licence to sell alcohol to customers at the Queen Street venue, but said no alcohol would be permitted within the rage rooms or axe-throwing areas.
Durham Police objected to the application, warning it could lead to "reckless or unsafe behaviour".
The Reform-led local authority's licensing committee was urged to reject the request ahead of a meeting on 31 March.
James Lillistone, Rage It Out director, applied to sell alcohol until 23:00 after opening the venue earlier this year.
Any person who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs would not be permitted to participate in the activities, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
However, Sgt Caroline Dickenson said alcohol, even at moderate levels, reduced inhibition and increased impulsivity.
She said: "When combined with a weapon-based activity and a structured aggressive activity, there is the potential for the likelihood of reckless or unsafe behaviour, escalation of disputes between participants, misuse of equipment and the potential of disorder within or outside the premises."
The force added that allowing visitors to consume alcohol while handling bladed weapons creates a "foreseeable risk of reckless or unsafe throws".
Lillistone is expected to respond to the concerns at next week's meeting in Durham.
