New pub to open in Chesterfield

This morning, Chesterfield Borough Council's licencing committee granted Inspired Venues Ltd a premises licence to operate The Crafty Dog at 261 Chatsworth Road.

The licence permits the venue to sell alcohol and late-night refreshments and provide music, both live and recorded.

In addition, the premises has permission to be used as a venue for dance classes and dancing demonstrations.

It will be open between 8am and 1am Sunday to Thursday and between 8am and 2am Friday to Saturday.

The building used to be The Red Lion pub.

Its premises licence was revoked by the licencing committee nearly two years ago amid concerns about criminal activity at the pub and a failure to conform to improvement notices issued by the fire service and health and safety officers.

A report presented to the licencing committee states: "The applicant for this new licence has no connection with the previous activity."

The report said two residents wrote to the borough council to raise concerns during a consultation into Inspired Venues Ltd's plans and that 'those making representations are understandably concerned that there will be a repetition of the problems previously experienced'.

The complainants raised fears about anti-social behaviour including 'vomiting and urinating in the street', 'weekly fighting and domestic disputes in the street' and drug taking.

The report added: "During the statutory consultation period the residents making representations agreed to meet with the applicant to discuss their concerns.

"The applicant describes making decent headway in their meeting."

Inspired Venues Ltd insists there will be CTV inside and outside The Crafty Dog and security staff will be employed, among other measures.

It has not yet been revealed when The Crafty Dog will open.