Pubs demand clarityon match-day closures

by Claire Hu Trade leaders are calling on the Government to clarify police powers to close pubs during football match days, after licensees complained of heavy-handed tactics. Philip Asquith, president of Hull Licensed Victuallers Association ­ which last year successfully challenged police plans to close more than 100 pubs and bars for eight hours during a Leeds United v Hull City friendly ­ said there were apparent inconsistencies in the way different forces interpreted the law. It comes after licensees near Villa Park in Birmingham claimed they lost thousands during last month's Villa v Birmingham City derby, after police cordoned off some premises and "frightened off" customers. Pubs claim they were threatened with having their licence revoked if they complained. There are now fears that following recent outbreaks of trouble at games in Bristol and Lincoln, police could increase pressure on all pubs, including those with no history of violence, to shut during matches. Asquith, who owns four pubs, said: "We need clarity on exactly how police are to interpret the powers given to them. "The various Government departments need to get together on this, because in cases I have been involved in, I don't think the police are following guidelines in executing their powers. They are becoming bolder in interpreting and implementing them." However, Asquith stressed that responsible licensees would not object to closing temporarily if there was a real threat of violence. West Midlands police have said the action in Birmingham was taken in the interests ofpublic safety, including "using licensing powers to alleviate any alcohol-related problems". Officers also raided several pubs which opened before noon in breach of licensing laws. Lisa Dunne, lessee of the King Edward pub near the Villa Park ground, said: "We never have any bother so it didn't affect us, but I did hear some pubs were shut down. "What really frustrates me is how kick-off keeps getting put back from 3pm to noon, so I lose out on trade." Inspector Mark Holland, of Nottingham Police, which last year successfully applied to magistrates to close pubs during a Nottingham Forest v Millwall game, said police decided what action to take according to intelligence about the level of threat. "It also depends on who is playing," he said. "In Nottingham we will have a meeting with licensees before games, and then write to them asking them to close or even remain open on occasions. "It's fully voluntary and there are no threats involved, but 99% of licensees are co-operative. "We do it for their safety and the safety of the public, and at the end of the day, it's the one pub that stays open which is going to get smashed up.