Court rejects landlady's bid to run boozer
A LANDLADY has been prevented from taking over the running of another pub after police raised concerns.
Karen Walton had her application to take over Denry's pub, in St John's Square, Burslem, thrown out by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
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PUB: Denry's in Burslem.
Staffordshire Police told the council's licensing sub-committee how a raid at The Park Inn, also in Burslem, which Miss Walton took over two years ago, uncovered evidence of drug use.
Police objected to her application to take over Denry's on the grounds that it would 'undermine the prevention of crime and disorder'.
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The 35-year-old launched an appeal against the committee's decision, but magistrates in Stafford yesterday rejected the application.
The court heard how nine days after Miss Walton, of Humbert Road, Etruria, took over The Park Inn, in August 20, 2011, a drug raid found varying quantities of cocaine, and swabs revealed a trace of heroin at the premises.
The following day officers were called after complaints from neighbours at 1.30am, claiming there were 25 customers in the pub.
Miss Walton later admitted she had sold alcohol after permitted hours.
A further raid in November resulted in three people being arrested for possession of cocaine and methadone. Miss Walton stepped down from her role as landlady at the Park Road venue in December 2011.
The ruling means Miss Walton cannot take over Denry's, which was formerly run by her partner, Maurice Pass and his sister Sarah Campbell.
The venue is now being operated under new management.
PC Graeme Owen, from Staffordshire Police's licensing department, said: "This is an excellent example of partnership working between Staffordshire Police and our colleagues at the city council.
"We are committed to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of people who take advantage of nightlife in our city. But to do that we need to ensure that licensed premises are run well and crime committed in and around those venues is of a minimum.
The decision made by magistrates echoes and supports that previously made by the sub-committee."
Councillor Janine Bridges, cabinet member for housing, neighbourhoods and community safety, said: "We are pleased that the court upheld the decision made by the sub-committee.
"The safety and enjoyment of people visiting our city at night is our chief concern.
"We work closely with Staffordshire Police and are happy to support them when there is clear evidence provided to show the detrimental impact of granting a licence."
6 Comments
by dragon1
Friday, March 22 2013, 2:39PM
“Horrid people , Horrid Bar ,Horrid atmosphere unless your offered some substance .Needs closing down !!”
by dragon1
Friday, March 22 2013, 2:36PM
“About time these people were told NO , Well done to the police who have always known what was going on . The last time I had the misfortune of been talked in to going to this sin bin ,there was cocain on offer and talk of an illegal cage fight going on there later that night .And they seemed to have the doormen in there back pocket .The sad thing is that a change of management usully means they have someone working for them .”
by dragon1
Friday, March 22 2013, 2:36PM
“About time these people were told NO , Well done to the police who have always known what was going on . The last time I had the misfortune of been talked in to going to this sin bin ,there was cocain on offer and talk of an illegal cage fight going on there later that night .And they seemed to have the doormen in there back pocket .The sad thing is that a change of management usully means they have someone working for them .”
by twotache
Wednesday, March 20 2013, 5:28PM
“Definitely not one of the places I visit on a night down Burslem. Not the nicest of clientele”
by PaulJJ
Wednesday, March 20 2013, 4:18PM
“Vile place.... I have worked in clubs/pubs on and off for about 10 years and I have never seen a more concentrated collection of people trying to chew their own faces off than I saw when I accidentally walked into this excuse for an operation...and I won't even START to comment about the punters!”
by johnarc
Wednesday, March 20 2013, 3:30PM
“At last, a licensing authority listening to the Police. About time too !”