A pub has been shut down after selling alcohol to children.
The Angel on Angel Hill, in Sutton, was ordered to close for three months after underage sales, complaints about loud music and criminal activity including, violence, criminal damage and suspected drug sales.
Sutton Council’s licensing committee suspended the pub's licence after hearing evidence from residents and the police.
Committee members heard how during test purchasing operations in October and December pub staff sold alcohol to underage police cadets.
The council’s environmental health team served a noise abatement order on the pub in July 2009 after loud music and karaoke sparked a number of complaints from nearby residents. Less than two weeks later the licensee was fined for breaching the order.
The committee also imposed new conditions on the pub, reducing the opening hours and ordering windows and doors to be closed when music is being played.
The hearing was held after an application by the police to review the licence. Police licensing Sergeant Debbie Blight said: "Police will continue to be robust around breaches of licensing conditions and alcohol sales to young people. Any licensed premises found breaking the law can expect to have their licence reviewed."
Chairman of the licensing committee Coun Sue Stears said: “The total disregard that this pub and its staff showed to both the licensing laws and nearby residents fully merit this severe punishment.
“We will simply not accept underage alcohol sales in Sutton. Nor will we tolerate violence and disorder in our licensed premises.
“The catalogue of noise nuisance caused by karaoke and loud music was also unacceptable and I’m pleased that so many residents came to give evidence to the committee.
“I hope this serves as a warning that the police and council will use all the powers at our disposal to make sure licensed premises are a responsible part of the community.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel