Police close pub using new powers
An East Grinstead pub has been closed for a month and the DPS removed from the licence after police requested a review.
Mid Sussex District Council imposed the measures at the Sportsman in Cantelupe Road after a 'catalogue of serious incidents'.
First full reviewPolice say it is the first pub to close following a review since the new licensing act came into force.Officers in Dorset have previously requested a similar review but a deal was struck before it was heard.
Previous convictionsDuring the review of the Sportsman, Sussex Police discovered the manager had 34 previous convictions. Officers, including the tactical firearms unit, were regularly called to the town centre premises over the last six months and recently issued an £80 fixed penalty to the manager for threatening a neighbouring licensee.
Cocaine and cannabisThey also found cocaine in the upstairs living quarters and gave the manager a caution for possession of cannabis.The DPS' daughter was also fined £80 for wasting police time after she called to report a 'burglary' - officers attended the scene and found her 'drunk and laughing'.
Chief Insp Chris Ball told the Morning Advertiser: "The new act allows us to go down this road. We put forward a catalogue of behaviour and the recommendation the pub was closed. We will continue to deal robustly with irresponsible licensees and will take positive action to shut down premises. We will also work in partnership with responsible licensees to eradicate drugs and reduce low level disorder."
Sportsman DPS Joseph Williams now has 21 days to appeal the decision.
