Brighton's oldest gay pub faces licence review after underage drinking sting

Officers contend that licensing objectives like preventing crime and disorder, ensuring public safety and protecting children from harm have been ‘seriously and consistently undermined.’ They have now asked the city’s licensing committee whether the venue should be allowed to stay open.

The Bulldog was one of five Brighton venues caught selling alcohol to 16 and 17 year-olds earlier this month following a sting from police.  The premises licence holder and designated premises supervisor, who were present at the time, were spoken to by officers immediately after the offence and yet within a few hours a 13-year-old and 15-year-old child were admitted to the pub.

On Facebook, the pub said: "Management and staff care very deeply for this venue. We have an open policy and welcome all. Unfortunately, a few individuals have spoiled this and we are working hard with the relevant authorities to rectify the situation."

Police have been called to the site 48 times since January 2014 for a number of incidents including excessive drunkenness, assaults and sexual assaults.

Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp, divisional policing commander for Brighton and Hove, said: said: "Submitting a review application is a serious step and we have consistently tried to work with The Bulldog to address these issues but there has been little discernible improvement and there continues to be a blatant disregard for people's safety and welfare, so we have been left with no other option.

"The continued risks posed to public safety and particularly the vulnerable by the venue is unacceptable and I am determined that this does not continue any longer."