Contribution by: Paul Lamb

Comment by: Paul Lamb

Focus area: Pubs

Regulator concerned: My comments are general and do not relate to a particular regulator or regulatory function

Comment:
We will not be attending a meeting to discuss the management of this establishment.
During the police visit on the xxxx as stated in your letter dated xxxx, which arrived on the xxxx, when the officers were asked to state the nature of their business; they said “just a social visit”. When I asked if there was any law being broken the officers present said “no”. I then requested the officers leave in order to allow us to continue carrying out our lawful business.
As stated before on many occasions In the event the police wish to carry out licensing checks we will assist where necessary. We trust your actions would not be prejudicial to us and our business. However we would appreciate your understanding that checks could be done during quiet or closed times where possible. We believe running a public house during busier times requires our full attention and as such think it is inappropriate for police to draw our attention away from it for any reason unless absolutely necessary. Indeed this would be contrary to the licensing objectives.
Furthermore if we become aware of a law being broken we make the police aware of it to the best of our ability. There is very rarely any problem at xxxx Inn and if there was I would telephone the police as soon as sensible or practical. We do not feel it is necessary for the police to come to the premises “Just seeing if everything is ok” or “just a social call” while we have customers. Police presence intimidates people. We are trying to maintain a happy and relaxing environment. Once again I would like to make it clear that we are not obstructing police in any way and suggest that the police should make the nature of their business clear in order to avoid any ambiguity.