An Aberdare pub that, when visited by officials, had the largest amount of underage drinkers they had ever seen, has been banned from selling alcohol.
The Glandover Arms in Gadlys cannot sell alcohol, or undertake any other licensable activity such as entertainment, for 28 days, following the decision of the Licensing Committee on March 29.
The management have a statutory 21 day period in which to appeal the decision, during which they can continue to trade. However, if, at the end of that period, they have not appealed, or appealed and lost, the suspension comes into force.
The decision is the first time the license of a venue has been suspended for the sole purpose of punishing offences and sending a clear message to others that illegal activity will not be tolerated – and does present serious consequences.
It was made after committee members heard evidence from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and South Wales Police officers, who had joined forces to investigate the Glandover on behalf of communities being affected by the offending there.
Council Trading Standards officers at the hearing described how they decided to inspect the pub in October 2009 following complaints from the community and other venues about underage sales in the Glandover.
The number of underage drinkers found in the premises that evening were the highest officers had ever seen – of the 47 people interviewed, just four could prove they were 18 or over.
The majority of them admitted they had been sold alcohol without being asked for ID or had got someone else in the pub to buy their drinks for them.
Neighbourhood Policing Team officers confirmed to the committee that the situation that evening was one of the worse they had ever seen and also explained how previous advice and warnings had been given to the management of the Glandover, due to the offending taking place there.
The committe heard how License Holder David Lewis told officers the venue had “lost control” for a few months and did not dispute the level of offending uncovered that evening.
However, he also made it clear that previous test purchase operations carried out before and after that evening had led to the teenage volunteers being refused access to the building, showing a clear awareness of, and respect for, the law from the pub.
He further stated that the customer profile and operating practises at the Glandover had dramatically changed since that evening.
After hearing all evidence, the committee decided to suspend the license for 28 days, with immediate effect, meaning the premises is banned from selling alcohol from that time.
The committee also made it clear that, once reinstated, the license will have the following conditions;
• A personal license holder must be present at all times when the pub is open for the sale of alcohol.
• A Challenge 21 scheme, as promoted by Trading Standards, to be implemented.
• Record incidences where sale of alcohol and other age-restricted goods are refuse, with such refusals log being reviewed on a fortnightly basis.
• All bar and door staff to receive induction training concerning Challenge 21, production of ID, acceptable forms of ID, proxy sales of alcohol and a refusals log.
• Provision of CCTV
David Jones, Head of Community Protection at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “The huge majority of our licensed premises are aware of the responsibility they have to help us uphold the law, especially when it comes to preventing underage drinking via direct or proxy sales.
“We rely upon them to play a key role in addressing this issue and, as such, must always take appropriate enforcement action against those premises who do not deliver their responsibilities.
“This case had led to the suspension of the license of the Glandover, meaning it can’t sell alcohol. Full stop. This sends a clear message not only to the premises management, but also other premises that we will not tolerate underage sales.”
South Wales Police Inspector Steve Meek said: “The majority of our local pubs and bars are well run and cause no concern at all to us or the community they serve. But the Community Safety Partnership takes a really strong stance towards those few premises which contribute to crime, disorder or anti-social behaviour of any kind.
“We will not hesitate to take the strongest action to prevent the improper or irresponsible sale of alcohol. We work closely with licensees and will provide completely free advice and guidance to ensure each contributes positively to our local economy.
“But we want to send a strong and clear message to those who cannot or will not make sure their premises are up to the mark. If necessary, we will close you down.”
