Pub's licence in question over stripper

By Nikkie Sutton

- Last updated on GMT

Pub's licence in question over stripper

Related tags License Striptease

Hereford pub the Queen's Arms have had their licence reviewed following police seeing photographs of a naked man inside the pub.

West Mercia Police have issued a statement to Herefordshire Council saying the pub "failed to promote the licensing objectives by, either knowingly or through neglect, allowing adult entertainment to take place at the premises."

Police added: "This is contrary to the condition contained within the premises licence and indicates activity that undermines the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm."

The statement, which forms part of the council's premises licence review of the Queen's Arms, explained on Monday 25 April, that a reliable source brought to the police's attention a 'male stripper' had performed at the premises the previous Saturday (23 April) and officers were given photographs illustrating the activity with members of the public present.

The photographs showed a naked male with what appears to be foam or soap on his body and particularly on his genitals.

Unarranged visit

On Tuesday 26 April, officers visited the Broad Street pub in Hereford, to discuss the situation with licensee David Pope.

The statement pointed out the licensee had not contacted the police or licensing authority before the unarranged visit.

It added: "The purpose of the visit was not disclosed initially and Mr Pope volunteered it was 'about the stripper' and he knew nothing about it.

"It was established he was working and in the licensed area of the premises at the time of the incident and he had been told by customers, whose names are not known, that a group of women would be calling in during the evening.

"Mr Pope said he didn't see the male enter or see him stripping and he wasn't aware of what had happened until it was over."

The report states Mr Pope said he would not allow such behaviour because he "doesn't want it".

It also said the police have been able to establish the females in the pub paid the £140 fee on the night.

The consultation period for the review ends on 6 June. 

Related topics Licensing law

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