The Star Inn, in the St Mellons area of Cardiff, had its premises licence revoked following a review hearing by Cardiff Council on 26 August 2011. The review was instigated by the police following a number of incidents of crime and disorder inside and directly outside the pub over the past three years.
However, the decision was appealed by Fraser Brown solicitors, acting on behalf of Admiral Taverns. The firm argued that there was insufficient evidence for the council to justify revocation of the pub’s premises licence.
The matter was eventually settled before the appeal was heard by Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on 11 May 2012. The District Judge said he was content with the agreement made between the two parties and made an order for Cardiff Council to pay costs of £17,400. He also said the council had been “unreasonable” in not considering Admiral’s offer of conditions to resolve the matter.
A concession for CCTV and a one-hour reduction in closing time to 10pm for the provision of regulated entertainment have been added to the pub’s premises licence. A new designated premises supervisor will be installed. Relief managers are currently running the premises.
Admiral Taverns business development manager Caren Laing said: “While this has been a frustrating and unnecessarily long process, we are pleased common sense has prevailed.
“Now the Star Inn’s future is assured, we plan to start the search for an outstanding couple who can take on this fantastic community pub for the long term.”
A Cardiff council spokesman said: “The council accepted Admiral Taverns’ offer to make a number of amendments to the Star Inn’s premises licence.
“This has been re-issued with a condition in relation to installation of a CCTV system. The terminal hour for provision of regulated entertainment has been reduced to 10pm to address the problems of crime and disorder and public nuisance.”