Council and police shut pub that held lock in during lockdown

Ashfield District Council has used its powers working with Nottinghamshire Police to shut a pub under new rules introduced during the COVID-19 outbreak, after the licence holder held a lock in at her pub.

Council officers were called to the pub in Ashfield over the weekend following reports there had been a lock in held despite the clear Government guidance that this was not allowed.

The council said the licence holder, unbeknownst to the bar owners, deliberately held a lock in for regulars.

The licence holder has been sacked by the owners and evicted from the premises, where she was living with her boyfriend.

The landlady is expected to be prosecuted for offences under The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 for allowing the premises to be open.

Under these powers anyone found guilty of an offence, may then find themselves being prevented from obtaining a licence anywhere else in the country, the council said.

Chief Supt Rob Griffin of Nottinghamshire Police said: “This result sends a very clear message to everyone that the police and our partners will not tolerate those people who deliberately break the rules and put other people’s lives in danger by their selfish actions.

“The Government has been very specific that rules need to be followed so that lives can be saved. Those who choose to ignore these rules run the risk of swift action like has been taken here and they could face a criminal prosecution as well.  People have got to take this seriously. This is about saving lives.

“I would like to thank the pub owners for their cooperation on this matter which avoided the necessity for a Licensing Review which would have been timely in us getting the results we have achieved here. This also demonstrates team working between our organisations – council and police - for a swift response.”

All stock and alcohol has also now been removed from the premises following the action.

Cllr Helen-Ann Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Ashfield District Council, said: “The irresponsible actions of the bar manager were the root cause of this incident. The government has restrictions in place for a reason. It beggars belief why this group of people thought it was acceptable to have a private party when the majority of residents were staying home to help save lives.

“Drinking with even one friend goes against the government’s guidelines, and unless people start adhering to these guidelines the number of coronavirus cases will continue to increase. The Police have the powers to fine people, and the council will work with them wherever necessary to ensure that people behave as they are asked. Please stay home and save lives.”

Cllr Smith added: “The swift action between the council and Police demonstrates that this behaviour will not be tolerated. It’s selfish behaviour that is putting lives at risk.”