The manager of a County Durham pub has vowed to boost staffing levels and implement stricter security measures after a man sustained life-altering injuries in a "sustained, violent and entirely unprovoked" attack.
Ross Ainsley, manager of the King's Head in Cockfield, said he was dedicated to learning lessons from the incident and taking "all reasonable steps" to ensure a similar assault could not happen again.
The pub's premises licence was immediately suspended by Durham County Council's licensing sub-committee following the incident on July 25.
Details of the assault
A hearing at County Hall was told the victim was repeatedly shoved before being struck multiple times to the head and face with a drinking glass. He sustained a broken nose, a jaw fractured in two places and a ruptured tendon in his hand, and underwent reconstructive surgery.
Licensing Sergeant Caroline Dickenson said the incident was compounded by the fact that the man's young son had witnessed the attack. "The child witnessed his father being subjected to the sustained, violent attack during which he saw his dad receive facial injuries," she said.
"Such was the severity of the attack that the child attempted to intervene by using a pool cue in an effort to protect his father." Police are continuing to investigate the assault.
Pub's response and new measures
In a statement ahead of a full licensing review on August 24, Mr Ainsley said the pub would deploy two additional members of staff during busy periods and key events. He also vowed to enhance staff alertness, decline service to drunk or aggressive patrons and address unacceptable conduct at the earliest opportunity.
Staff would be directed to ask individuals to leave where required and contact the police without delay should a situation escalate beyond what they could safely handle.
Mr Ainsley said CCTV would be actively monitored, with a live display installed behind the bar so staff could keep an eye on key areas of the premises.
He also committed to refresher training in conflict management, responsible alcohol retailing and licensing obligations, alongside regular team briefings.
"I also hold my own Personal Licence and would be happy to have it transferred to The King's Head," he said. "This may avoid any unnecessary delays caused by trying to contact the current Personal Licence Holder."
Mr Ainsley said the measures would provide "clear and effective management" of the pub. He added: "The safety of our customers, staff and the wider community is my highest priority.
"I am committed to learning from this incident and taking all reasonable steps to ensure that similar situations are prevented in the future."
