The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee of County Durham Council met on Friday 17 April 2026. The primary item on the agenda was a review of the premises licence for The Sweet Trap, located at 30 Potto Street, Shotton Colliery, Durham, following a closure order issued by Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court.

Review of Premises Licence for The Sweet Trap

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for the review of the premises licence for The Sweet Trap, 30 Potto Street, Shotton Colliery, Durham DH6 2LA¹. This review was triggered by a Closure Order issued by Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court on 1 April 2026, pursuant to Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014². The premises licence currently permits the sale of alcohol for off-sales only between 08:00 and 23:00, Monday to Sunday, with the same opening hours for the premises.

The report pack indicated that Durham Constabulary had submitted a representation for the review. The premises licence holder and designated premises supervisor is Mr Charles Sproat. The Sub-Committee had several options to consider, including taking no further action, modifying or adding conditions to the licence, excluding a licensable activity, removing the designated premises supervisor, suspending the licence for up to three months, or revoking the licence entirely.

The report highlighted that the Sub-Committee was recommended to give appropriate weight to the steps necessary to promote the licensing objectives, the representations presented by all parties, Durham County Council's Statement of Licensing Policy³, and the Guidance issued to local authorities under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003⁴.

The background information detailed that the Closure Order required The Sweet Trap to be closed immediately to all persons for a period of three months. This review process is mandated by Section 167(1) of the Licensing Act 2003 when a closure order has been made.

The parties involved in the hearing were listed as Mr Charles Sproat (Premises Licence Holder and Designated Premises Supervisor), Mr Matthew Forster (Solicitor representing Mr Sproat), and Sgt Caroline Dickenson from Durham Constabulary (Responsible Authority).