A local council has used its powers working with Nottinghamshire Police to shut a pub under the new Covid 19 rules after a pub licence holder appeared to deliberately flout the lockdown rules and hold a pub lock-in, putting lives in danger.
Officers were called to The Bluebell pub in Mansfield Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield over the weekend following reports there had been a lock-in held despite the clear Government guidance that this is not allowed.
Following new guidance around social distancing, all bars and clubs have been asked to shut in order to stop the spread of Coronavirus. However nationally there have been reports of some flouting these rules and hosting “lock-ins” instead.
This included at the bar in Ashfield, where the pub licence holder, unbeknown to the bar owners, has appeared to deliberately hold a lock-in for regulars.
Ashfield District Council licensing department working with the police took swift action to have the pub closed after this was reported to them.
Chief Supt Rob Griffin said: “This result sends a very clear message to everyone that the police and our partners will not tolerate those people who deliberately break the rules and put other people’s lives in danger by their selfish actions.
“The Government has been very specific that rules need to be followed so that lives can be saved. Those who choose to ignore these rules run the risk of swift action like has been taken here. People have got to take this seriously. This is about saving lives.
“I would like to thank the pub owners for their cooperation on this matter which avoided the necessity for a Licensing Review which would have been timely in us getting the results we have achieved here. This also demonstrates team working between our organisations – council and police – for a swift response.”
He added all stock and alcohol has also now been removed from the premises following the action. This will prevent the premises from being used again as they were on Saturday.
Cllr Helen-Ann Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety said “The irresponsible actions of the bar manager were the root cause of this incident. The government has restrictions in place for a reason. It beggars belief why this group of people thought it was acceptable to have a private party when the majority of residents were staying home to help save lives.
“Drinking with even one friend goes against the government’s guidelines, and unless people start adhering to these guidelines the number of coronavirus cases will continue to increase. Please stay home and save lives.
“The swift action between the council and police demonstrates that this behaviour will not be tolerated. It’s selfish behaviour that is putting lives at risk.”
Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield, was instrumental in ensuring the lock-in was swiftly reported to the police after it was brought to his attention. He said: “At a time when the vast majority of residents are obeying Government advice we have a small majority who think the rules do not apply to them.
“I have a good working relationship with the local police force and especially Inspector Craig Hall who acted swiftly on the information I passed to him about pubs in the area who were suspected of flouting the rules.
“This is great work from Nottinghamshire Police and as the local MP it gives me great confidence to see how quickly they responded. Make no mistake, if anyone else thinks it’s a good idea to break the rules and risk life then I am sure they will be getting a visit from Nottinghamshire Police.”
Police and licensing officials will visit any businesses thought to still be flouting the rules and will order them to close. Most premises have been happy to abide by the new rules, recognising the need for them.
Government advice is very clear:
– Stay at home
– Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)
– If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
– Wash your hands as soon as you get home
– Do not meet others, even friends or family.
You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms. By ignoring these guidelines, not only are you increasing your chances of catching the virus, you are also increasing the chances of someone else catching it.
