Leo Charalambides instructed by Heath Thomas of Harrison Clark Rickerbys has successfully overturned a decision made by Wolverhampton City Council to revoke the premises licence of The Bond Street Tavern.
The Bond Street Tavern in Wolverhampton is a long established traditional public house that operates until 03:00 on the weekends. On the 20th January, 2017 the premises licence was transferred to DM who also became the new DPS. West Midlands Police had been concerned about the previous licence holder and took they view that DM had also inherited and adopted the practices of the previous operator. On the 11th February, 2017 the police executed a raid on the premises due to suspected illegal drug use by patrons. The review application was issued shortly thereafter. On the 20th April, 2017 the Wolverhampton City Council revoked the premises licence which the operator appealed.
The new operator had since January, 2017 worked with West Midlands Police to improve the management and operation of the premises. The CCTV was upgraded, additional CCTV cameras were installed and a metal arch detector was purchased all with the encouragement and advice of the police. The operator also worked upon and applied comprehensive search and security policies. On a police visit with drugs dogs in early October, 2017 only one patron was found to be in possession of a small wrap of cannabis consistent with personal use.
The turnaround cannot be understated or underestimated. Regrettably and despite partnership and radical improvement the police maintained their ‘objection’. At court West Midlands Police and the City Council were persuaded to settle the case by way of amendment to the conditions attached to the premises licence. The conditions primarily concerned search procedures and policies and the re-deployment of SIA door staff.
The real test is for the operator to make good on the policies and implement these in his day-to-day running of the Bond Street Tavern.
