City pub loses licence after string of Covid breaches
A Birmingham pub has become the first premises in the city to have its licence suspended after continual breaches of Covid-19 rules.
PB's, on Key Hill, in Hockley, is the first premises to be ordered to close after continually allowing people to flout social distancing rules.
Officers from West Midlands Police also discovered loud music playing, which was a noise nuisance and also made it difficult to have a conversation without shouting, increasing the threat of transmission.
At least seven breaches of government guidelines were reported in August and it culminated in a closure notice being enforced in the early hours of Saturday, August 15.
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This was followed by an application to suspend the licence, and remove the designated premises supervisor, which was considered by Birmingham City Council’s licensing sub-committee on Wednesday. This was approved and will be in place for 28 days ahead of a full licensing review, which is due to take place on September 14.
Inspector Nicola Court, from Birmingham Police, said it was imperative that pubs ensure government guidelines are followed to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
She said: "There is a real public passion for pubs and the vast majority of licensees have recognised the importance of safety measures.
"But, at PB’s, we found punters recklessly ignoring social distancing, mingling at the bar and even dancing around.
"Loud music meant people were having to shout which only increases the risk of spreading Covid-19 as well as causing a noise nuisance.
"We will continue to enforce the law where there is a risk to public safety and to prevent the spread of infection but it’s imperative people act responsibly and follow the guidelines."
Mark Croxford, head of environmental health at Birmingham City Council, said the decision to suspend the licence sent a clear message to businesses which flout Covid restrictions.
He said: "That message is simple: we will take action against premises that breach these restrictions, which ultimately could lead to their licences being revoked."
