BEXLEY: Bar didn’t ask for help with underage drinkers (From This Is Local London)

BEXLEY: Bar didn’t ask for help with underage drinkers

9:45am Wednesday 4th June 2008 in

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Police have denied the Sidcup bar where teenage actor Robert Knox was killed had asked for help in dealing with underage drinkers.

The Metro Bar in Station Road, Sidcup, reopened on Monday, after an emergency meeting of Bexley Council's licensing sub-committee on May 27 suspended its drinks licence "to allow tensions to diminish".

At the hearing, the police's application to suspend the licence stated: "Police would suggest alcohol, mixed with a young clientele, some of whom are underage, might have been the cause of this tragedy."

Comments to News Shopper's website suggested the bar had made requests to the police to help it deal with moving on under-18s drinking outside the bar.

But a spokesman for Bexley police said: "We have no record of an approach from the Metro Bar to police, for advice in relation to underage drinking."

The bar now has a number of new conditions on its licence, including the use of hand-held metal detectors by its door supervisors, to check customers for weapons such as knives.

A full hearing into a review of the bar's licence will be heard by the licensing sub-committee on June 20.

Questions have been asked why, if the bar was know to have problems with underage drinkers, no action had been taken before.

Bexley Council, which takes the lead on licensing in the borough said: "The Metro Bar's licence was not being looked at prior to the murder.

"We were unaware of any allegations relating to underage sales at these premises."

A spokesman said together with all other licenced premises in the borough, the Metro Bar had received an "acceptable behaviour contract" asking it to sign up to the Challenge 21 scheme - asking for ID from anyone trying to buy alcohol who looks under 21 years old.

She added: "We have not yet received a response from the Metro Bar."

Days after the stabbing of Mr Knox, 18, of Maidstone Road, Sidcup, dozens of residents turned up to a street meeting organised by police just yards from the bar.

Among the suggestions from residents were the use of metal scanners in all bars and pubs and more police on the streets.

One man got a round of applause for saying: "It is an epidemic and it needs to be stopped.

"If you cannot do it, then get the Army out.

"This is our children you are talking about."

Another public meeting will take place tomorrow at 7pm at the New Community Church in Station Road, Sidcup.

A book of condolence for Mr Knox has been opened at Sidcup library in Hadlow Road.

The Knox family has thanked all those who have paid tribute to their son.

In a statement they said: "We felt as family it was right and fitting the site where the flowers were, near Sidcup railway station, be removed in a dignified manner.

"This was done on Monday. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the local people and business community for being patient and respectful of the flower site and those paying their respects.

"We would also like to mention the help given to our family by the local council and police."