It was the Kings Tavern licence review hearing this morning.
This review - the second this year - was triggered by Thames Vallley Police.
I attended the first bit of the hearing as an observer.
It wasn't a very edifying site: barristers for Admiral Taverns and the Designated Premises Supervisor, Mrs Sama attempted to shift the blame on to each other for the recent licence breaches and problems at the pub.
It felt like a bit like an episode of Eastenders or another soap opera - except that the decision could have a real impact on the community.
All credit to Cllrs Jeanette Skeats, Cllr Jamie Chowdhary and Cllr Bet Tickner for finding their way through the claims and counter-claims. It's not an easy thing to do.
And as I've said before the Licensing Act 2003 does not make the role of councils and councillors straightforward in relation to licensing matters.
I was very grateful to Sergeant Dai Davies who was representing the Police for pointing out that this review was brought in the public interest and that failure to adhere to the licence - by, as was alleged, selling alcohol whilst the licence was submitted constituted a serious matter.
The incident was witnessed by a member of the public who bravely reported the incident and attended the hearing. Without his evidence no action could be taken against the management of this venue.
Anyway, I had to go to work but I have just heard via licensing officers that the Committee resolved to:
- Remove the current D.P.S from the Kings Tavern
- Not to revoke the premises licence
The D.P.S, Mrs Sama, has 21 days to appeal against this decision or it will take effect. An appeal is likely, I'm told.
Although the Police did not have enough evidence to press criminal charges against Mrs Sama, the fact that this was the second licence review that had taken place on her watch, and due to the seriousness of the allegations regarding illegal alcohol sales it is not surprising that councillors sought today to cut short her stint in charge.
Admiral Taverns did not support Mrs Sama during the hearing and are in the process of trying to evict her from the pub.
The Legal representative of Admiral Taverns was at pains to ensure that the pub company was not held responsible for problems the Kings Tavern.
This was because they are keen to sell the pub with a current premises licence.
To complicate matters further we are aware this pub is in the process of being sold.
All we can hope for at this stage is that after the recent troubles new management will take over at the Kings Tavern soon, put these problems behind them, and work to help turn it into a community pub.
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