EARLIER LAST ORDERS AT PUB AFTER COMPLAINTS

But regulars spoke in support of venue and ‘respected’ landlady

LAST orders must be made earlier at a city pub after neighbours complained of rowdy behaviour from departing customers.

Regulars have flocked to support The Princess Royal, in Dresden, after ward councillor Lillian Dodd called for a review of its premises licence.

Staffordshire Police revealed details of seven calls relating to the Carlisle Street pub between June 13 and October 22.

These included allegations of a man defecating in the street, bricks hurled at pub windows, and a 20-person brawl.

Ms Dodd said residents in the area had complained of customers being noisy as they left the area after 2am, and vandalism of property.

Speaking at a licensing subcommittee meeting, she said: “Residents feel intimidated and won’t come forward personally, so I’m representing residents in my ward.

“I have no objections to the business, but I have had numerous complaints about anti-social behaviour, loud music and abuse to the residents. There has been damage to properties and there has even been abuse from the landlady herself.

“My sympathy is for the residents and neighbours. They need some peace and quiet.”

But Andrew Cochrane, who represented the pub at yesterday’s hearing, said licensee Sarah Williams ‘totally disputes any accusation she had been abusive to residents’.

He added: “There is no evidence, but relations with the immediate neighbours are strained. It’s something we have got to work on.

“These premises weren’t on our radar and we were a little surprised to see this review – we have found a very high level of compliance.

“Sarah did put on a couple of music events outdoors, and it is accepted now that this has caused noise and disturbance to the neighbours.

“We would propose licensable activities cease at midnight, which will allow a one-hour wind down.”

The panel imposed a series of condition changes to the Princess Royal licence.

Licensable activities, such as sale of alcohol, must stop at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11.30pm Sunday to Thursday. Previously this was allowed until 1am Monday to Saturday, and 11.30pm on Sundays.

The outdoor drinking area must close an hour before this, with all windows and doors closed.

And entry and re-admittance must stop 15 minutes before the end of alcohol service.

Stoke on Trent City Council received more than a dozen letters in support of the pub.

Alison Shrive said: “Sarah Williams is a very friendly yet professional landlady with zero tolerance to any anti-social behaviour and drug incidents.

“Sarah also does lots of fundraising for charities. She works tirelessly to ensure all customers are safe and happy and provides a huge array of entertainment.”

Sarah Vause said: “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.”

Alan Bowers, aged 74, said: “I use this pub seven days a week. I have never seen any fighting or bad behaviour.”