Licence ban slapped on boss of problem pub

The manager of a West Bromwich pub which was the scene of fights and illegal lock-ins has been removed as licensing chiefs slapped the venue with strict conditions.

The licensing hours of the The Old Crown in Sandwell Road have been cut after it was found to have staged lock-ins with as many as 100 people until as late as 4am.

The borough council's licensing panel found the premises supervisor Maurice McLeod had flouted law and caused nuisance to residents by continuing to open late, and banned him from licensed activity.

Councillor Peter Allen, chair of the panel, said: "There were two licensing visits which revealed they were staging lock-ins, on one occasion they had more than 100 people and it was 4am.

"If people want to open late, they will have to get a licence. We were satisfied the premises was the cause of public nuisance."