Police

Pub warned for playing Peppa Pig theme during police visit

By Oli Gross

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Licensing committee License

Pub warned for playing Peppa Pig theme during police visit
Licensees have been urged to respect police after a pub was warned for playing the Peppa Pig soundtrack when officers visited.

The DJ at Cooney’s bar in Llandudno, Wales, also made snorting noises to police while playing the theme of the kids TV show.

Warning

Conwy Council licensing committee have issued the pub a formal warning, so if they break any licensing conditions in the next six months its license will be up for review.

The licensee has apologised, and insisted the pub has a good relationship with police. The bar’s DJ has been told he’s not allowed to drink on-the-job anymore, and has ‘been on his best behaviour’ ever since.

North Wales Police appealed for the pub’s opening hours to be restricted. Police submitted a report listing 12 visits involving problems management, disorder, safety of the public or obstructive behaviour.

'Lax and unprofessional'

At the licensing committee, a local councillor claimed the bar had been run in a ‘lax and unprofessional manner’ before a review, but accepted sufficient changes had been made.

The pub now needs to train staff every six months, be radioed in to the local Pubwatch scheme, CCTV must be used and staff are not allowed to drink while on duty.

Drinking ban

The Wales Online​ reported that, when asked about the manager’s actions at the licensing committee, Joanne Cooney told the council: “The DJ is still with us at the moment. He has three children and a wife.

“I said ‘this is your last chance, you are not allowed to have a drink. If you have a drink then we will have to let you go’. He’s been on his best behaviour since.”

Relationships

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers chief executive Kate Nichols urged local authorities and police forces to engage in closer working relationships with venues.

“It is important to remember that all parties are working towards the same goal: thriving, vibrant and safe town centres, attracting customers and driving growth in local economies,” she said.

“Good relationships between the sector and police forces will ultimately make life easier for all concerned.”

Working together

And the British Beer and Pub Association has stressed the value of a good relationship with police.

Chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “It is very important that enforcement officers and licensees communicate and work together it order to ensure a safe and fairly enforced pub sector.

“BBPA and member companies actively support local partnership schemes, such as Pubwatch and Best Bar None, which encourage working together to share best practice in partnership with the police and local licensing authorities.”

Related topics Licensing law