We learned earlier this week that the Kings Tavern on Kings Road in Redlands is set to have its licence reviewed for the second time this year.
This news is depressingly familiar.
In the Summer a few weeks after the first licence review we expressed our fears that problems would recur at this venue.
RBC officers have informed us that Thames Valley Police have instigated this latest review of the licence after the operators of the Kings Tavern were found to have sold alcohol during the period a few months ago when this venue was ordered by RBC's licensing committee to close.
This follows the suspension of the licence which occured after serious breaches of the licence. Problems at this venue caused a lot of nuisance to neighbours - nuisance that was reported into the Council on numerous occasions.
If proved to be true these allegations are very serious and we hope RBC Licensing will deal with these latest breaches proportionately, appropriately but above all else effectively.
We do not want to be in this position again with this venue in a few months time.
I have been in contact with officers about the details of this review. They have advised as follows: anyone is now able to make a representation to Licensing until 2nd November 2009.
It is important that the information is current, i.e. since the reopening in July and relevant to one of the licensing objectives. Contact me if you need more info.
The hearing date will be set once the consultation period is over, after this the hearing date will be communicated.
Doesn't this just demonstrate how the license review procedure is bureaucratic and makes residents suffer while lawyers fill their boots?
The Kings Tavern should have been treated much more firmly last time, and the licensee - who blatantly shows contempt for the law - should have been removed.
The detail of the Licensing Act needs reform to protect residents - and, let's face it, decent pubs.
Posted by: Cllr Gareth Epps | October 12, 2009 at 12:25 AM