Apple Tree pub licence suspended for six weeks
jpco-15-2-12- Apple Tree Pub
A PUB and restaurant has narrowly avoided losing its licence following last-minute negotiations with the police.
The Apple Tree and Shimla Indian Restaurant, in West Green, had its alcohol licence suspended for six weeks following several incidents of underage drinking and disorder.
The business also has to implement a number of changes – or face having its licence fully revoked.
The decision was taken by Crawley Borough Council’s licensing sub committee following an application by Sussex Police.
A last-ditch meeting was held on Monday last week (February 6) three days before the review, where an agreement was settled between police and the licensee.
Peter Savill, barrister for Sussex Police Licensing, said: “By any analysis things went seriously wrong at this premises.
“It is a cause for concern that the problems persisted, particularly in relation to evidence of underage sales of alcohol. It’s for this reason that the police were invited to consider the full revocation of this licence.
“This serves as a sharp reminder that these sorts of problems will not be tolerated.”
Evidence of five police incidents connected to the pub was heard, including arrests for drunk and disorderly and assaulting a police officer.
Two 16-year-old police cadets bought cider at the bar during a test purchase operation, the meeting heard.
Doug Simmonds, representing licence-holder Zamir Butt, said: “Mr Butt fully recognises there have been problems and whilst he doesn’t accept everything the police have said he recognises further staff training is needed
“It is important that this business does continue, because it would be a loss to the community, a loss to staff and quite a clearly a loss in general of it was required to close.”
Zamir Butt said: “Could you seriously expect people to go to a restaurant and not have a drink? I don’t think anyone here would.”
Conditions placed on the licensee include the use of door-staff on police request, refresher training for staff and reduced serving hours.
The premises has 21 days to appeal before the suspension comes into force.
Speaking after the sub-committee, chairman Cllr Keith Blake said: “I don’t think it’s good practice to revoke a licence although it is a final step available to us.
“Suspension gives the licence-holder the chance to put new systems into place. It’s not intended to be punishment but a way to get things back on track.”
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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