Police abused by pub staff member

A PUB could lose its licence after a “drunk member of staff ” hurled “foul-mouthed abuse” at police officers.

The Galley on Vale Road, Rhyl, was visited in May by officers promoting the Pubwatch scheme – but when they entered the Galley, they said they were abused by a member of the pub’s management team.

The pub’s licence-holder, Vanessa Michelle Steele, has been ordered to appear before members of Denbighshire’s sub-licensing committee on Monday for a review of her licence.

A report before the committee said: “During the visit, officers were subjected to foul language, confrontational and aggressive behaviour by a drunk male member of the management of the premises. Officers were of the opinion that the management team held some contempt to the Pubwatch scheme and would serve who they wished.”

A letter was sent to the licence-holder inviting her to attend a meeting to discuss the recent visit. In response, she stated a wish to become a member of the local Pubwatch scheme in the future.

Due to the licence-holder not addressing all of the police’s concerns, a meeting was arranged to discuss the May visit – but Ms Steele did not turn up.

In response to the review, the licence-holder has now suggested that she is willing to attend any local Pubwatch meetings.

The sub-committee will consider whether to modify the licence, remove the designated premises supervisor, suspend the licence for a maximum of three months, or revoke it altogether.