A CARLISLE city centre nightclub has had its licence revoked after police raised concerns over underage drinking.

Managers from the Truth venue were at a hearing of Cumberland Council's licensing sub-committee at the Civic Centre in the city yesterday (Wednesday, January 17) to give evidence and hear the verdict.

After more than two hours of deliberation committee chairwoman councillor Jeanette Whalen (Yewdale, Labour) told the hearing that they had considered the evidence carefully and added: "After careful consideration the sub-committee has unanimously decided to revoke the premises licence."

She gave a number of reasons for the decision including: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the protection of children from harm.

She added: "The committee has considered the other options open to them and they do not consider that the removal of the designated premises supervisor (DPS) and the proposed new conditions would rectify the problems that are occurring."

Cllr Whalen said that a number of meetings had been attempted on a number of occasions with the DPS between March and July last year but they had been unsuccessful.

She added: "Having considered the CCTV, transcripts and evidence given by the manager of the premises at today's hearing it is clear that there has been a complete lack of knowledge or awareness of the licensing objectives and the importance these when running a licenced premises.

"It is a premises holder's responsibility to employ staff that adhere to promoting the licensing objectives on their behalf."

During the hearing it emerged that the premises manager was not fully aware of her responsibilities under the conditions of the licence and she had only recently passed the APLH qualification and was shortly due to take courses in first aid and door supervision.

PC Heidi Underwood, from Cumbria police, told the hearing that there had been on-going issues with Truth since it opened in 2022 and in September there were 18th birthday parties on two consecutive nights where underage customers were at the premises.

She said a 16-year-old female was found in the area "tottering" around in an intoxicated condition and she confirmed to officers that she had been drinking at Truth that evening.

A Truth spokesman said no alcohol was served at under-18 events that took place at the premises so there was no breach of the licence.

He added: "The police did not go into the premises to check whether alcohol was being sold [to those who were underage]."

He also said that the current DPS had "failed in his duties" and they would find a qualified replacement.