Call time or lose licence
PUBS ORGANISING ILLEGAL LOCK-INS DURING PANDEMIC COULD HAVE LICENCE REVOKED
PUBS that choose to organise illegal lockins have been warned they could end up serving their last pint.
Licensing chiefs in Kirklees have vowed to take a dim view of any pub, bar or restaurant flouting the law and ignoring social distancing measures.
That means transgressors can be arrested and fined under new laws introduced by the Government – and licences could be revoked on the grounds of public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder.
Clr Amanda Pinnock, who chairs the Licensing Panel for Kirklees Council, said she was “angry” at reports that some venues were continuing to operate in defiance of regulations designed to limit the spread of Covid-19.
She said: “I am angry to hear some establishments have encouraged people to gather together and risk the health of others.
“In these unprecedented times we must listen to the advice given by the Government. This will save lives. The council will not hesitate to use their powers to protect residents in Kirklees.”
Clr Pinnock said in addition to the Government’s recently announced restrictions the council in conjunction with the police can exercise its powers to issue closure orders under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to immediately shut down establishments that flagrantly break the law.
Pubs and other premises were closed on March 20. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the measures would be “strictly” enforced but that the decision to close would be reviewed on a monthly basis.
Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman said anyone operating illegally should lose their licence. His parliamentary colleague Jason McCartney, who represents Colne Valley, said “irresponsible” publicans should be reported to the police.
He added: “It’s wholly irresponsible and putting people’s lives at risk and it needs to stop now.”