Pub landlord’s licence suspended for breach of lockdown rules
SERVING WINE ON THE PREMISES
THE landlord of a popular Slaithwaite restaurant and bar has had his licence suspended for 28 days after admitting breaching lockdown rules and serving a glass of wine to a woman on his premises.
Steve Kerr of The Rose and Crown, Slaithwaite, admitted the offence during a special review hearing by Kirklees Council’s licensing panel and said he had paid the fixed penalty notice.
A joint licensing visit was made to the sprawling, rural pub on the afternoon of June 2 by West Yorkshire Police’s licensing officer, Richard Woodhead, PC Katy Jagger and Mike Skelton from Kirklees Licensing after various complaints had been made that the pub was still trading during the Covid-19 lockdown.
He was licensed to sell carryouts but drinks could not be consumed on the pub’s premises.
Mr Kerr had been advised to tape off his beer garden, remove the benches to avoid any problems with walkers sitting on them and drinking and not allow anyone to use the toilets.
But several supporters of Mr
Kerr testified to his honesty and community spirit and questioned whether it would be a good idea for a pub which employed more than 20 people to lose their jobs.
And Mr Kerr’s representative,
Tony Dales said his client had run the pub for the past 13 years and had an impeccable record.
He said any mistakes he had made were due to “misinterpretation” and said “what I have heard from the community is humbling.
“He has voluntarily closed the premises and does not intend to reopen until the end of the month. He added that he was “very sorry that we have got to this situation.”
Giving evidence Mr Kerr became emotional saying that three officers arrived on June 2 while he was enjoying sun-bathing with his wife Jane.
He said: “I found it extremely stressful,” to have to find answers to a “barrage of questions”
He said: “I understand. I made a mistake by selling a glass of wine to a lady.
“I paid the fixed penalty. I made a mistake and I sincerely apologise for that.”
He was particularly upset that he was being accused of operating for financial gain and said: “It made me feel physically sick and I sweated profusely and I felt in total shock about the situation.”
Andrew Garthwaite, a solicitor representing West Yorkshire Police, said what Mr Kerr had done was a serious matter and it was important that the panel sent out a message that such behaviour would not be tolerated.
In supporting statement one woman said: “Stephen Kerr is a very caring and very kind and considerate person and has had an exemplary career in the licensing industry.”
Another supporter added: “I think it is ridiculous that Stephen Kerr’s name has been dragged through the mud. Shutting down the pub would lose 20 people their jobs.
“It’s a wonderful destination pub that is enjoyed by hundreds of people.”
Another said it was incorrect that Mr Kerr had done “what he did for financial gain. To imply that Stephen had applied a cavalier approach to the law is ridiculous. This was a pub that was doomed to closure (before he took it on).”
While Neil Calvert of Holme Lane who lives very close to the pub, added: “Stephen had been very careful in operating his take out service.
“I think he has been unlucky in having a malicious neighbour out to get him. I think it’s malicious.
“It’s categorically not down for financial gain. To say that Stephen would this for financial gains is absolutely not on.”
After deliberating for around half an hour the panel’s chairman, Clr Amanda Pinnock, said: “We have come to the decision that the licence should be suspended for 28 days and I would encourage Mr Kerr to ask the licensing authority if he is unsure about anything.”