Welsh pub banned from selling alcohol
A Welsh pub has been banned from selling alcohol for a month as part of a range of hard hitting measures to break the cycle of bad behaviour associated with the pub.
South Wales police applied to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council for a review of the licence at the Forest Hotel in Treforest following a series of incidents.
The conditions include:
• Banning of sale of alcohol for a month in a bid to break the cycle of behaviour associated with the pub, to enable the licensee to concentrate on fulfilling other enforcement measures and to make necessary alterations.
• Removal of the Designated Premises Supervisor of the Forest Hotel with immediate effect.
• The installation of a high-quality colour CCTV system in line with the standards set by South Wales Police.
• The use of polycarbonate glasses, by request of the police, when major events are to take place.
• No drinks to be consumed by patrons on site from bottles, cans or similar receptacles. Non glass to be used outside at all times.
• The licensee or a suitably authorised person to be on premises at all times in the absence of the Designated Premises Supervisor.
• Implementation and operation of the accredited Challenge 21 scheme.
• To record refusal of sales to those who appear to be underage in a refusals register that follows a format approved by Trading Standards.
• All new staff to receive induction training on Challenge 21.
• All staff to receive refresher training of the above at least every six months.
• The beer garden and other outside areas not to be used after 9pm in relation to consumption of food and drink.
"We hope this case once again highlights the powers agencies have and the fact we will use them in order to respond to community complaints and protect the public," said Councillor John David.
"This is an important piece of work as it shows the power the Licensing Authority has when it comes to dealing with premises that are causing community concern.
"The police called for a review of the license because of the ongoing concern of the community in relation to underage drinking at the Forest Hotel and the negative impact its patrons and their behaviour were having on the community.
"This process has allowed us to work with the establishment to identify its shortcomings and put into place stringent measures that allow people to enjoy the Forest Hotel in a safe and legal manner, while not causing suffering or upset to the wider area.
"Again, this review has taken place in an area that has been the focus of partner agencies for some time, because of the calls from residents, on which we must act."
