Town centre bars in temporary closure following stabbing

A town centre bar in which a man was stabbed and later died has been closed temporarily following consideration of an application by the police to the licensing authority, Rochdale Borough Council.

Sinclair’s, in Drake Street, Rochdale, has been shut following the death of John Lee Barrett, 31, who was stabbed during an incident at the bar in the early hours of Christmas Day. Mr Barrett, who was from Harpurhey, died on Tuesday.

In addition, Bojangles, which is adjacent to Sinclair’s, has also been closed pending the review.

A full licensing review will be held within 28 days.

Councillor Martin Burke, Cabinet Member for Internal and Environmental Services at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This was an incredibly sad incident and our sympathies go out to Mr Barrett’s family and friends.

“Thankfully these types of incidents are extremely rare. Thousands of people visit bars in Rochdale each year and have a really good experience.  We would encourage people to continue to enjoy Rochdale’s nightlife and feel assured that their safety is our first priority.”