Revelers have jumped to the defence of a nightclub owner who was fined 1,200 and ordered to pay costs of 836 for breaching licensing hours.
On Friday evening it emerged that Darren Hoare, owner of The Office in Truro had been fined2 for the misdemeanour following a hearing at Truro Magistrates’ Court. Cornwall Council solicitor Mark Andrews told the court that Mr Hoare had applied for a Temporary Event Notice to cover the missing hour when the clocks changed to British summertime, however the application was not submitted within the legal time limits and, therefore, could not be progressed. Mr Hoare proceeded to open for the extra hour regardless and told the West Briton that the decision was the lesser of two evils as he didn’t want to turf 500 punters out onto the streets of Truro for the already stretched local police force to deal with.
Darren Hoare (left) and his team back in 2013
Readers on the West Briton Facebook page have since rushed to defend Mr Hoare, criticizing Cornwall Council of wasting money for dragging a man of good character with no previous offences through the courts. Among those commenting was Matt Pooley who wrote: “Taking into account the four licensing objectives; the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm, closing an hour early would have been a breach of the above.
READ MORE: Why are Truro’s bars and restaurants so dead at night? This is what you’re blaming3
“The decision to keep 500 customers controlled under one roof was that of a responsible operator.
I think the council has better things to do with their time, (our) money and efforts.“
Jon Devinyl Hopwood added: “Well things like that will help Truro’s nightlife!
“Surely the council and licensing should be trying to encourage people to take part in Truro nightlife? It’s so behind the times down here. Hard to find a club that opens past 2.30am whereas clubs across the rest of the country are open quite often well past 4am.
“It’s not like the council and licensing have to stay up that late if they give out a late licence.
“It’s like they want Cornwall to be for nothing apart from people’s holiday homes, retirement homes and the tourists that come down. Hopefully they will catch up with the times and start helping to encourage Truro nightlife rather than destroy it!“
READ MORE: Revellers turn their backs on nightclubs as door fees and drink prices soar4
Steve Heller branded the case “a waste of everyone’s time” and Catriona Tong questioned why a long standing club should have to apply for such a license.
Many people also commented singing the praises of Mr Hoare.
Amy Della said: “Goes to show a good nightclub owner who won’t let his punters down just because the ‘rules’ tell him to. Good on him I say.”
References
- ^ Comments (0) (www.westbriton.co.uk)
- ^ Darren Hoare, owner of The Office in Truro had been fined (www.westbriton.co.uk)
- ^ Why are Truro’s bars and restaurants so dead at night?
This is what you’re blaming
(www.westbriton.co.uk) - ^ Revellers turn their backs on nightclubs as door fees and drink prices soar (www.westbriton.co.uk)
- ^ READ MORE CORNWALL NEWS (www.westbriton.co.uk)