Spirit puts ‘Britain’s toughest pub’ up for sale
The Flying Shuttle in Bolton had its premises licence suspended after police reported regular drug use on the premises, excessive drunkenness, and the selling of alcohol beyond the permitted hours.
The decision was taken to shut the pub at a Bolton Council licensing hearing, and it is understood that regulars launched a protest in a bid to save the pub.
The outlet was vandalised and a number of fires were set off in the area as part of the protest. Three men were arrested on suspicion of arson and have since been released without charge.
Spirit acquired the pub following last year’s demerger with Punch Taverns, and has now taken the decision to sell the pub’s freehold, with another brewery believed to be interested in buying it.
A spokesperson for Spirit Leased said: “We accept the decision of the court to close the Flying Shuttle. We own the freehold but are not responsible for its day-to-day operations, which are down to the leaseholder.
“As a responsible pubco, we are extremely disappointed the Flying Shuttle has not been operating at the high levels we expect from our partners and have taken the decision to sell the site.”