Horsham’s Chameleon Late Bar in the park will close for just under three weeks after Saturday (September 15) following an agreement with Sussex Police to implement a new set of tougher measures.
It comes after concerns raised by officers about the number of incidents at the late bar off Albion Way.
The force approached Horsham District Council (HDC), the licensing authority, for a review of conditions on the premises’ licence as a result. Jean Irving, Force Licensing and Public Safety Manager, said: “Significant discussions have been held between police licensing and the premises management and as a result a number of measures were agreed, which have now been ratified by the licensing committee.”
The measures include the appointment of a new premises supervisor, a Challenge 25 policy and formalised training for staff.
The late bar will be open this Saturday (September 15) and then close until Friday October 5 - when The Only Way Is Essex star Mark Wright is planned to join a grand opening.
When it re-opens it will be the first bar in Horsham to have an identification/age verification scanning system for customers.
Horsham District Commander, Chief Inspector Sharon Parker, said: “The implementation of the identification scanner and the other measures are a very positive step forward. We look forward to working with the new management to ensure Horsham continues to have a safe and enjoyable night time economy.”
Christian Mitchell, chairman of the Licensing Committee, added: “Having given the matter very careful consideration the Licensing Sub Committee members are satisfied that once implemented the new conditions will have a positive effect and working with the new management and the police authority will be able to ensure that Horsham continues to enjoy a safe and vibrant night time economy.”