Costa Nostra: Police object to bid to extend opening hours at Wakefield cocktail bar

Details of an investigation into two assaults the police say happened at Cosa Nostra, on Westgate, are referred to in documents objecting to an application to extend the firm's opening hours.Wakefield Council’s anti-social behaviour unit has also objected to the scheme.

A council officer lists a number of concerns, including claims of under-age staff being allowed to serve alcohol.

Nightlife and Bars Ltd want permission to serve alcohol and play music indoors until 4am.

The application says: “The premises is a high-quality cocktail bar offering brunches on the ground floor.“The first floor is a members-only private room restricted to a maximum 60 members at any particular time.”

The application says any outdoor music will be turned off at midnight.

The company also plans to employ two further registered door supervisors, install CCTV cameras to the licensed area and use plastic drinking glasses.An objection submitted on behalf of the chief constable of West Yorkshire Police says: “The director of the company requesting the premises licence is currently under investigation for two serious assaults that occurred at the premises.”It adds: “The application lacks any detail on how the requested grant would not impact upon the promotion of the licensing objectives within the area, which is surprising in view of how much input from relevant authorities the premises and applicant has previously had.”

The bar is within the council’s cumulative impact zone – an area identified as being under the most stress from crime, disorder and public nuisance.Under the policy, new licences are only granted in exceptional circumstances.Paul Dean, a licensing enforcement officer with the council’s anti-social behaviour unit, said the bar’s licence was placed under review in 2021 after a serious assault at the premises.Mr Dean also said there had been reports, in January this year, of under-age staff being allowed to serve alcohol.

The objection says there had been reports of the bar opening beyond permitted hours and other licensing breaches including putting a speaker on the outside of the building and playing loud music.Planning conditions attached to the Grade II listed building restrict opening hours to 2am.Mr Dean said: “The are no current applications for planning permission submitted for this venue, in fact the operator is currently subject to an ongoing planning enforcement case related to the outdoor area being used as a drinking area and unauthorised erection of a timber pergola.“Planning enforcement also have some safety issues related to fire exit.”A licensing sub-committee will consider the application at a hearing on December 20.

A spokesperson for Costra Nostra said: "The Cosa Nostra cocktail bar has a zero-tolerance approach to abusive or threatening behaviour. Our customers and staff want to experience an environment that is safe, warm and friendly."There were two incidents, the first early in 2023 and one in the middle of the year when certain customers demonstrated extremely abusive and threatening behaviour to our patrons and bar staff.

"As a result, a member of the Cosa Nostra management team was forced to remove the individuals concerned from the premises."In the first instance, the staff member involved attended the police station voluntarily and in person to help with police enquiries.

"Police investigations were not, as far as we were aware, ever centred around our staff member who was never cautioned, interviewed further and was advised no further action would be taken."The second incident was a little more complex, and despite our best attempts to co-operate, including the provision of CCTV footage of the event, we are still waiting for individuals who were in attendance on that evening to be asked for their statements and version of events."If, however, further police investigations do arise, Cosa Nostra cocktail bar management and the individual involved will happily cooperate with these investigations fully, openly and with complete transparency."In the meantime, we want to reassure our customers that the bar remains fully open, all bookings and reservations for the Christmas and new year holidays remain confirmed and we look forward to welcoming them soon."