Bid to extend opening hours for Stockton nightclub Rehab opposed by over-stretched police

A later licence for a Stockton nightclub could “drain” police resources across the town, say Cleveland Police.

An application for the Rehab club, on Prince Regent Street in Stockton town centre, to be allowed serve alcohol until 4am and open until 4.30am, has been submitted to Stockton Council.

In a statement to Stockton Council’s licensng committee, Cleveland Police said: “The premises is a nightclub situated in Stockton town centre which, by its very location, already suffers from alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour. Cleveland Police have received numerous complaints to this effect.

“It is of concern to Cleveland Police that another licenced premises wishes to extend the hours, and the nature of this extension may lead to a drain on already limited police resources for the town centre area.”

The police say their current late night operation - Tranquility - sees additional officers working until 3am on Friday and Saturday to cover the night time economy.

Any offences occuring after 3am would then have to be dealt with by “officers who would normally be used to cover the rest of Stockton district”.

The statement to the council, signed by the solicitor to the Chief Constable, continues: “I believe this will have a detrimental effect in these areas as police will be too busy dealing with problems in the town centre.”

In the application, submitted by licence holder James Lightwing, a number of measures have been set out to combat anti-social behaviour including a 24 hour CCTV system, a drugs policy with visible notices and a hardbound drugs register, a challenge 21 policy, and a book to document every time someone is refused alcohol sales.

The club, which was reopened in April after years of standing empty, has been using temporary event notices to stay open until 4am on a Friday and Saturday, say police.

Rehab’s current licence allows it to serve drinks until 2am.

Members of Stockton Council's licensing sub committee will decide on whether to grant the extension at a meeting at the Council Chambers at Stockton Town Hall, on High Street, at 2pm on Tuesday.