Northamptonshire pub to have its licence reviewed today

A review of the premises licence for the George and Dragon pub in High Street, Raunds, will be held today (Monday).

Northamptonshire Police applied for the review which will be heard by members of East Northants Council’s licensing (liquor and gambling) panel.

A report compiled ahead of the hearing states: “The main reason for the review request relates to the operator of the premises trading outside of the authorisations contained within the premises licence and the general management of the premises which Northamptonshire Police believe is not promoting the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder.”

Once the hearing has taken place, the panel has several options to choose from, including no action necessary, an informal warning to the licence holder and/or to recommend improvement within a period of time, modify the conditions of the premises licence, suspend the licence or revoke the licence.

The report contains details of several occasions where police have arrived at the pub after closing time to find people still inside the premises, including some with alcoholic drinks.

It also says that officers reported a ‘very strong smell of cigarette smoke and people were smoking in the bar area’ during a visit on January 23.

In light of the incidents and visits detailed in the report, Northants Police is asking the panel to consider actions, including removal of the designated premises supervisor, a reduction in the hours for licensable activity to 11pm Monday to Saturday and the premises to be closed at 11.30pm Monday to Saturday.

A document from licensing enforcement officer Rita Groves, who has visited the premises and spoken to the licence holder and designated premises supervisor (DPS), states: “Clearly there are numerous issues at this premises that need addressing.

“Although Mr Smith and I have spoken on many occasions, improvements are not being made.”

She also said: “Mr Smith is adamant that each time there is an issue, that I should telephone him and discuss the matter.

“In the past this had happened, however, now that the complaints are growing in seriousness, I support PC Bryan in the review of the premises, believing that this situation has now become a matter for the East Northamptonshire Council licensing committee to consider.

“I support PC Bryan’s requests to reduce the hours of licensable activities, to remove the DPS and to have a DPS/personal licence holder at the premises at all times.”

The licence review will take place today at the East Northants Council offices in Cedar Drive, Thrapston.