PUB BLIGHTED BY ‘FIGHTS AND NOISE’ FACES LICENCE REVIEW
Elderly man was hit on head by brick
A PUB is set to have its licensed hours cut following reports of fighting, smashed windows and a man defecating in the street.
The Princess Royal in Dresden is having its licence reviewed by Stoke-on-trent
City Council due to concerns over afterhours drinking, loud music late at night and residents being verbally abused by drinkers.
Ward councillor Lilian Dodd has applied for the review on behalf of residents, saying they are afraid to submit applications themselves out of ‘fear of reprisal’.
Staffordshire Police have received numerous calls from the public relating to fights and other incidents at the Carlisle Street pub this year, with officers removing a man from the premises on one occasion.
In another incident, a male customer was reportedly struck on the head by a brick that had been thrown through a window.
City council licensing officer Mark Georgiou is supporting the review, on the grounds that the licence holder is ‘not promoting the licensing objective for the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the prevention of public nuisance’. But a number of residents have also contacted the council in support of landlady Sarah Williams, saying she has managed to ‘put the pub back on its feet’. Following a meeting last month, all parties have agreed to a number of changes to the pub’s premise licence. These would see the sale of alcohol and the playing of music end at midnight, Monday to Saturday, as opposed to 1am. There would also be modified conditions relating to use of the beer garden late at night and the requirement to keep windows and doors closed while music is playing.
The council’s licensing subcommittee will make a final decision on the review application when they meet today.
In her application for the review, Mrs Dodd states: “I have received numerous reports of after hours drinking and loud music playing from residents in the vicinity.
“Customers leaving the premises in the early hours of the morning, between 2-3 am, making a lot of noise. Verbally abusing residents. Causing vandalism to local properties.”
As part of the review process, Staffordshire Police has provided the council with a list of incidents involving the pub over the past year (see panel right).
However, some customers have written to support the pub and its landlady.
In one letter, Sarah Vause states: “Even though I haven’t been going to the pub for a long time I have always felt welcome and never intimidated.
“I have to say I have never met a landlady more respected by her customers and never witnessed or heard rumours of any drug-taking, fighting or anything untoward happening at the pub and honestly believe that if anything was to arise Sarah would nip it in the bud immediately.”
Another supporter, Robbie Lawton, states: “I’ve known Sarah since I was little I can honestly say she’s put her heart and soul into the pub since she took over. It has been a much better place to go.
“Herself and her staff are friendly, welcome you with a smile. For the years that I have been there if there has even been any trouble it’s dealt with straight away.”