Police object to axe-throwing and rage room venue's bid to sell alcohol to customers

An axe-throwing and rage room venue has applied for visitors to drink alcohol during their sessions. Bosses at Rage It Out in Consett have asked Durham County Council to grant a licence to sell alcohol to customers at the Queen Street venue. But Durham Police object to the application, warning it could lead to "reckless or unsafe behaviour". The local authority's licensing committee has been urged to reject the application ahead of a meeting next Tuesday (March 31). James Lillistone, Rage It Out director, applied to sell alcohol until 11pm after opening the venue earlier this year. Rage it Out in Consett (Image: The Northern Echo) No alcohol would be permitted within the rage rooms or axe-throwing areas, and any person who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs would not be permitted to participate in the activities. However, Durham Police raised several concerns. Sergeant Caroline Dickenson said: "Alcohol consumption, even at moderate levels, reduces inhibition, impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and increases impulsivity. "When combined with a weapon-based activity and a structured aggressive activity, there is the potential for the likelihood of reckless or unsafe behaviour, escalation of disputes between participants, misuse of equipment and the potential of disorder within or outside the premises." The force added that allowing visitors to consume alcohol while handling bladed weapons creates a "foreseeable risk of reckless or unsafe throws" and could also lead to disputes between participants. Durham Constabulary also objects to the sale or supply of alcohol following axe-throwing or rage room activities. Rage it Out in Consett (Image: The Northern Echo) Sgt Dickenson added: "These activities are specifically designed to generate adrenaline, heightened emotion, and competitive behaviour. "Even once a session has formally concluded, participants are likely to remain in an elevated emotional and physiological state and introducing alcohol at that point could increase the risk of impaired judgement, reduced inhibitions, and impulsive behaviour." Mr Lillistone from Rage It Out is expected to respond to the concerns at next week's licensing committee in Durham.