Rotherham bar may lose licence after failing to cooperate with a police investigation

A bar in Rotherham may have its alcohol licence revoked following safeguarding concerns and failure to cooperate with a police investigation.

The Sportsman Inn, a bar on Broad Street in Parkgate, Rotherham is having its alcohol license reviewed.

Mr Daniel Havenhand is the current licence holder, with the bar being reviewed due to his failures to promote licensing objections to prevent crime and disorder and protecting children from harm.

Following an allegation of assault at the premises on Christmas Day 2025, the police investigating officer made several attempts to meet with Mr Havenhand to view CCTV footage.

However, appointments were made then cancelled or the bar was found to be closed, leading to the officer raising concerns that the licence holder was not cooperating with a police investigation.

A police licensing officer attempted to meet with Mr Havenhand but he continued to cancel or miss agreed meeting times.

On April 30, the officer made an unannounced visit to meet the licence holder, where an action plan was agreed to improve the bar’s compliance with licensing requirements.

The licence holder failed to return the dated application form.

A test purchase was done on May 12, and alcohol was sold to two 17-year-old children, by a staff member who told officers he didn’t know about the need to ask for ID, and that he hadn’t been trained for this.

A ‘street safe’ visit by police on May 16 found a woman working solo behind the bar who had no knowledge of training records, and the licence holder was not available.

The police licensing officer believes that the licence holder has consistently shown that he is unwilling or unable to promote the licensing objectives and work with authorities to make improvements.

The chief constable of South Yorkshire Police is now seeking a review of the licence, recommending that it be revoked.

The licensing sub-committee will meet on July 14 to discuss the matter.