Essex pub has licence revoked after breaking covid restrictions
The Anchor in Tiptree was found to have 'placed public in danger'
A Tiptree pub has had its licence revoked after breaking coronavirus restrictions.
Colchester Borough Council say patrons at The Anchor were 'placed in danger' by the way things were run.
It was also felt not enough was done to prevent crime and disorder.
The Council's Licensing Sub-Committee examined all documents submitted, including the relevant body-worn camera footage provided by Essex Police, and considered all representations made at the hearing, which took place on Tuesday 9 March 2021.
The Sub-Committee was particularly concerned by the offences that had been committed under Coronavirus regulations.
Evidence provided by Essex Police demonstrated that in addition to undermining of the prevention of crime and disorder licensing objective (set out by the Licensing Act 2003), members of the public attending the premises had also been placed in danger, undermining the public safety licensing objective.
Councillor Mike Lilley, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said:
"This decision is confirmation of our commitment to taking action to help protect the public. We will take decisive action against those who commit offences and breach licensing laws.
"This offence is compounded by a disregard for the international pandemic, which has claimed thousands of lives and added intense strain to the NHS. We are grateful for the support and partnership work undertaken by Essex Police to bring this evidence to the sub- committee."
Chief Inspector Jon Evans, District Commander for Colchester, added:
"Although we understand that this is a challenging time for our communities, it is important that we all continue to stick to the regulations.
"We will continue to work with our partners to keep our residents safe and where license holders show disregard, enforcement action will be considered."
Although consideration was given to the other options available, the Sub-Committee did not feel that any option other than revocation of the premises licence, held by Ms K Murphy, was appropriate to address the serious breaches of regulations that had occurred.
The Sub-Committee noted that the premises licence holder had stated that it was not their intention to attend or be represented at the hearing, despite being invited to do so, and this lack of engagement gave the Sub-Committee no confidence that the premises would be run in accordance with regulations in the future.