Hull hit by joint spot checks

A pub operator has complained about multi-agency spot checks on outlets in Hull city centre on key weekend trading nights.

Licensees were recently confronted by joint visits from police, fire service and environmental health officers despite premises being packed with revellers. One operator claimed the timing of the Saturday 9pm visits were undiplomatic on the busiest trading night of the week.

"We have no objection to spot checks and welcome the chance to work with the police and other agencies in raising standards but question why it had to be a Saturday night," said the operator.

"The premises were full and staff were already worked off their feet, and while we have come to expect unannounced visits coping with three agencies at once is a bit much," he added.

But Hull City Safe, which co-ordinated the visits, insisted the visits conformed to best practice recommended by the Government.

"The initiative supports a multi-agency response to the problems of city-centre policing and the visits we make to these premises are to make sure they adhere to the rules," said spokesperson Mary Mower.

"The fact that they are carried out at busy times is geared to check whether operators are working to the rules during these key trading periods," she explained.

Mower said they had been appalled by some of the things that had been discovered in premises on previous visits.

"On one occasion a fire door was found completely blocked and we will certainly be targeting venues like this in the future.

"We will continue making these checks, which could involve as many as five different agencies in the future," she said.