Threat to pub licence following complaints
A VILLAGE pub could lose its licence just as it plans to reopen under new bosses.
The Middle Bell in Barton under Needwood is facing a raft of complaints from neighbours who have reported alleged anti-social behaviour, violence and excessive noise outside the pub.
They have alleged incidents including fights, glasses being thrown in the street and revellers urinating on a nearby building.
Now East Staffordshire Borough Council’s licensing committee is to decide later this month whether to alter – or even revoke – the Main Street pub’s alcohol sales licence just after its current tenants are due to be replaced.
Owner Star Pubs and Bars plans to reopen the establishment on December 2 after lockdown and carry out a revamp next year.
One neighbour told the council: “Glasses and bottles have been left on tables too long and, on one occasion, when a fight broke out, were thrown around in front of the pub in Main Street.
“Glasses have been thrown on roads and pavements around the establishment.
“Between July 4 and August 12 there was a major incident involving several people where a fight broke out on the street. Cars and property were damaged.
“My wife was alone as I was (working) away and I was frightened for the safety of our home and herself.
“The pub and management were reported on several occasions for failing to adhere to government Covid-19 regulations and law. Social distancing measures were not adhered to and people’s safety was compromised.”
The complainant also reported “people urinating up the walls of the Co-op”, “excessive noise and shouting of patrons leaving” and “arguments and taxis parked on zig-zags”.
The person, whose name has been redacted in the council’s document, says the Middle Bell’s weekend closing time should be changed from 1am to midnight.
Another neighbour said: “We have been concerned about the operation of the Middle Bell, in particular since it has reopened post-lockdown.
“There has been considerable noise coming from the pub, particularly at weekend. This is audible inside our house and the end of Bell Lane. On occasion, when walking past the pub, it appears that drinkers have been outside with drinks late at night. Similar observations suggest that there appear to have been breaches of social distancing rules.
“It seems wrong that the pubs in Barton can have different closing hours as, inevitably, drinkers will migrate to the one which is open the latest – hence there is the potential for anti-social behaviour.”
A Star Pubs and Bars spokesman said: “The pub is currently closed due to Covid restrictions. There will be a change of licensees on the 16th November. The plan is to reopen the pub on December 2 once the lockdown is lifted and to invest in an upgrade of the pub in 2021.”
The licensing committee meets on Thursday, November 19.