Police have objected to plans for a Bury pub to host two sets of football fans at its premises on the day of a memorial match amid crime and safety fears.
The Two Tubs, based at The Wylde in the town centre, submitted a temporary event notice (TEN) to run between 9am and 10pm on Saturday, June 24.
The pub is helping to organise a memorial game to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of soldier Lee Rigby, who was murdered in London.
Fusilier Lee Rigby, aged 25, from Crumpsall, was killed in a horrific attack on May 22, 2013 near the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich.
A decade on from his passing, Gigg Lane will be hosting a Lee Rigby Memorial Cup match between a North West "superstars" team and a Rangers select side at 3pm on the day.
As part of the event it was planned that the Two Tubs would welcome football fans before the match before a military band would lead a procession from the town centre to Gigg Lane.
Landlord Stewart "Spenny" Spensley served with Lee and said he wanted the occasion to be a great day for all involved.
But after viewing the plans, Greater Manchester Police has objected to the TEN.
In a report ahead of a council licensing sub-committee meeting on Thursday, the force has recommended that members reject the application.
A Police licensing officer for Bury, Peter Eccleston, has raised concerns that the arrangements at the event could fail to make sure crime and disorder is prevented and that public safety is maintained.
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Mr Eccleston said: “The content lacks detail and has indicated that there’s a risk of anti-social behaviour between rival fans.
“However, they have not indicated how many SIA/stewards will be employed at the event.
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“They have indicated the use of pedestrian barriers however Greater Manchester Police believe that this will not be sufficient to prevent opposing fans from entering the area or passing drinks over said barrier to anyone on the outside of the event which in all likelihood would lead to proxy sales.
“They have not indicated any contingencies with regards to how they intend to manage crowds with regards to fans awaiting entry to the premises/ event.
“The applicant clearly intends to hold this event on local authority (LA) controlled land however they have not sought the permission of the LA to use the area outlined in the notice.
Lee Rigby charity event at Two Tubs, Bury
“The planned activity will be taking place in a live highway and Greater Manchester Police are not aware of any road closure orders in place and therefore there is a likelihood that injury will be caused to attendees/pedestrians by moving traffic which poses a risk to public safety.”
In response to the upcoming hearing, Liam Howarth a friend of Lee and one of the event’s organisers, said: “Obviously alcohol is involved but the Rangers fans are all coming down for a charity, family friendly event.
“It is going to be a good atmosphere, not one full of football hooligans, it is for charity, the community and for the Lee Rigby Foundation.
“This has been a kick in the teeth, so much work has gone into putting this together."
Liam added that his security company, Tungsten Service Group, will be making sure people stay safe throughout the day.
He added: "If there are concerns about a lack of police or stewarding, we are able to contact millitary personnel from the millitary network to max out and monitor the route.
"There are so many people who want this to happen so volunteers are not an issue.
"There will be no problems with manning the situation on our end, to add to that, the number of fans will be no different to the amount in July when Bury start playing again."
Speaking to the Bury Times about the event in February, Lee's mum Lyn Rigby said: “I'm excited, it’s a local match and we're happy that we can mark Lee’s 10th anniversary this way, it's something to look forward to.
“It will be sad, as it always is around that time of year but it is something to celebrate in memory of Lee’s life.
“I just want to thank everyone for working so hard and I hope we get a great turnout to carry Lee’s legacy on and continue to help others with the foundation.”
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