Coventry pub loses licence after attack leaves man with 'life-changing' injuries
Police were called to the hotel in Radford after a group of men attacked a man.
A pub in Coventry has lost its licence after a man was attacked by a group of men on its grounds, causing him ‘potentially life-changing injuries.’
The Pilot Hotel on Catesby Road in Radford had its premises licence revoked by a council sub-committee at a private hearing on Tuesday (3 January).
Police had asked for a fast-track review into the pub’s licence due to the seriousness of the attack at the pub on 29 November 29.
A police appeal last month stated: “At around 8.40pm a group of men attacked another man on the premises, inflicting potentially life-changing injuries.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who was there that night or may have witnessed this incident spill out onto the car park.
“Due to the severity of the assault we have initiated a review of the premises licence, causing the premises to close until a full licensing review is held in January 2023.”
Councillors opted to suspend the pub’s licence after the summary review application by police.
"Devastating blow"
The pub’s management described that decision as a “devastating blow,” telling the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) it would have financial implications for the owner and staff due to the loss of December trade.
The pub also claimed that police had rarely been called in its 10 years of operating and said they’d consider putting in more safety measures.
But this week councillors on the sub-committee decided to revoke the pub’s licence completely.
The hearing took place in private because it included confidential evidence related to the police investigation.
Details of the decision revealed to the LDRS today state: “Having considered the Licensing Act 2003 and the guidance relating to summary reviews and the representations made by all parties, the Sub-Committee resolved to revoke the premises licence.”
Reasons given include: “the police have been clear in their recommendations to revoke the premises licence,” and “the general advice from the police on public safety and the representations made by health and safety officers.”
“In addition, the breaches of licence conditions are such that the Sub-Committee do not have confidence in the Licence Holder to uphold the licensing objectives,” the decision states.
The sub-committee also decided to keep the licence suspension in place until it is revoked, which will happen in 21 days or until any appeal is disposed of.
Without a premises licence the pub can’t sell alcohol, serve food between 11pm and 5am, or provide certain entertainment such as live music or dancing.
News of the pub’s closure last month sparked an outcry among locals with one sayings its loss is a “huge blow to the local community.”
A petition in support of the pub has more than 200 signatures. On its website, organiser Lee Humphreys said: “The Pilot has faced a few troubles recently and some have caused a bad reflection on the pub and unfortunately the pub has been held responsible.
“The Pilot Pub is a safe and friendly environment and all the staff make you feel welcomed and are really lovely.
“The Pilot Pub needs to stay open as its (sic) one of the few independent pubs left in the city and the pub means alot (sic) to all in the local community.”