Another Nottingham bar faces licence loss

Police are attempting to close down a second Nottingham pub which has fallen victim to a test purchasing 'sting operation.

Templars Bar, a favourite haunt of university students, was found to have served under-age youngsters for a second time during the latest operation carried out earlier this month.

Police claim the bar has failed to heed repeated warnings and moves are now being made to apply for its licence to be revoked.

Last week, the £4m Works nightclub also saw its licence revoked. Templars Bar was one of two venues that failed the latest test purchase operation carried out by police who visited 30 city-centre premises.

Last April Templars was one of 11 venues that were caught serving under-age drinkers when the first sting operation was carried out.

A police licensing spokesman said it was not their policy to try and close down any premises that failed the test.`

'We try to work with outlets who are found to have served under-age people, but we will take action against those licensees who repeatedly flout the law, the spokesman said.

Chairman of the Nottingham Pubwatch Group Mike Knight said operators of pubs and bars who got caught out only had themselves to blame.

'Everyone received warnings about what was going to happen and it was made very clear about the police attitude to under-age drinking.

'Some bars have been repeatedly warned, but it seems they have not listened and now they are facing the consequences, said Knight.

Meanwhile, Walkabout operator Regent Inns is under pressure from the police to reduce the capacity of its Bournemouth venue, the Morning Advertiser has learnt. The Walkabout in the city has a capacity of 700, but the police are pushing to reduce the capacity to 550.

A Regent source said: 'Our advice is that we've got a very strong case and the police's case is a little bit vague. It seems the police in various parts of the country are getting the bit between their teeth.