Sheffield pub refused early license ahead of Steel City derby

A pub has been refused permission to open early ahead of the Sheffield Steel City derby over concerns about violent disorder

The Beer Engine, in Cemetery Road, had applied to serve alcohol from 08:00 on November 10, ahead of the 12:30 kick-off between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday.

South Yorkshire Police said it had opposed all applications for temporary licenses due to the “long history of violence” associated with derby matches, including a Sheffield Wednesday fan being fatally attacked in 2022.

Rejecting the application, Councilor David Barker said the decision did not reflect badly on the site, but the authority had a responsibility to help police tackle crime, disorder and violence.

Sheffield City Council’s licensing sub-committee heard the match had already been rescheduled from the afternoon of Friday November 8 after “very difficult negotiations” between the police, clubs and Sky TV due to the concerns about alcohol fueled violence.

Outlining the force’s concerns about the granting of the licence, Sgt John Armitage, from the police football intelligence unit, said: “There were considerations about a more draconian request but in reality it’s just that people operate within the licenses they have so we can mitigate the amount of alcohol consumption and hopefully the associated violence and disorder.”

Owner Thomas Harrington said he was disappointed with the decision, adding that he knew of a nearby pub which has a license to open from 09:00, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It had also offered to open later, have door staff and only allow entry to Blades fans with season tickets or match tickets.

He also suggested that he would only tell customers who are established football fans.

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