Published: Thursday 09th April 2020 | 4.43pm
Cannock Chase Council has served prohibition notices on two pubs in Hednesford after people were found to be drinking in contravention of the regulations introduced by government at the end of last month.
Following a complaint received about people gathering in a pub, officers from Staffordshire Police entered the first premises on the afternoon of 28 March and discovered a number of people drinking within it. Following further enquiries, a similar notice was served on another nearby pub in the town.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 has prevented the sale of alcohol for consumption on premises until further notice. Premises may only open for off sales of food and drink where permitted.
The police subsequently reported the matter to the Council’s Licensing Unit and the Council has since served a Prohibition Notice on both premises.
As the premises are subject to a current police investigation they cannot be named.
The Council’s Licensing Unit is actively working as part of a Staffordshire wide enforcement protocol to ensure licensed premises across the District follow the current regulations which have been introduced for social distancing reasons to `save lives and to protect the NHS`.
Dean Piper, Head of Economic Prosperity at Cannock Chase Council said of this development: “Sadly, there have been instances of some pubs flouting the regulations and this council and other local authorities across the country will not hesitate to clamp down on offenders and work with the police on enforcement. The regulations are there for a very important reason.
“Any licensed premises thinking about opening for on-site alcohol sales, particularly this holiday weekend, should seriously think again and don’t do it! Officers are monitoring the situation and both the police and Council enforcement officers will continue to visit premises as required.
“Being served a prohibition notice is a serious matter.”
Since the two pubs were visited there has been just one unsubstantiated allegation of non-compliance in the last week suggesting publicans are behaving responsibly.
There are currently 327 licensed premises in Cannock Chase District permitted to sell alcohol which includes clubs and shops, in addition to pubs.
Photograph:
Drinking barred in pubs for the time being.