UPDATED: York pub could lose license after breaching Covid-19 restrictions
The Grey Horse pub in Elvington gave away free drinks on Remembrance Sunday.
Last updated 13th Nov 2020
An investigation's underway after a York pub gave away free drinks on Remembrance Sunday.
Police attended The Grey Horse pub in Elvington after reports of people drinking in the beer garden. They found people from different households who were not social distancing.
The pub's been issued with a Penalty Notice for Covid-19 for breaching the regulations - and could lose its license.
In a statement, North Yorkshire Poice said: "On this occasion - around three hours after a low-key Remembrance Sunday wreath laying within the village during which the parish council encouraged residents to participate in the Royal British Legion doorstep two minute silence to discourage physical gathering due to Covid-19 - there was a report of a gathering in the beer garden and smoking area of a licensed premises with people consuming alcohol from wine and beer glasses.
"The attending officers established that the group were from different households, they were not socially distanced and none of them were wearing face masks or face coverings to mitigate the risk of infection from coronavirus.
"Those present left the licensed premises without any further action being taken after the officers engaged with them, explained the current restrictions and encouraged them to leave.
"However, due to the circumstances of the incident, a person in control of the premises was issued with a Penalty Notice for Covid-19 for breaching the regulations.
"An investigation into the matter is ongoing by North Yorkshire Police’s licensing department and City of York Council’s Public Protection services. The police and council are working with the premises’ license holders. "
In a statement, the pub's owners Nigel Cookson and Jo Cashon, said: "Remembrance Sunday is always a significant day in the lives of the people of Elvington.
"We felt it would be both appropriate and respectful to make our own gesture, so we put out some drinks on tables outside the pub. People going to or returning from the memorials were welcome to stop on the pavement and raise a glass to the fallen.
"Quite a few people did, all socially distanced, exchanging greetings with friends and neighbours before moving on. We never dreamt this might be against either the letter or the spirit of the law – these were drinks we provided, not the pub. Some people took their drinks to the smoking shelter at the rear of the building when three vans of police turned up.
"The outcome has been that York Police Licensing is stripping Jo of her DPS (designated premises supervisor) which means Jo will not be allowed to run any public houses in the York area. They have decided to make an example of us which, with respect, seems to be completely out of proportion to any unintended offence we might have committed.
"It has been heartening to see the response of the people of Elvington who have taken us to their heart during this unprecedented and difficult time. The entire village has adhered to the lockdown rules, and we’ve worked so hard along with our staff to ensure we complied too, and kept everyone safe, we have had no positive cases of Covid linked to the pub whilst we have been here.
"As huge a blow as this is to both of us, it’s such a shame that the great relationship we’d built so quickly with the people of Elvington is being broken and we thank the 350 plus people who have signed a petition in support of us. We sincerely hope that York Police Licensing will reconsider this decision."