First pub in UK to fall foul of new licensing powers is closed for good

A Derbyshire pub that was the first in the country to have its licence suspended using tough new powers has been closed for good.

The licence of the Jolly Farmers on Skeavingtons Lane, Ilkeston, has been revoked following reports of violence and drugs.

The pub is owned by Admiral Taverns, which is also the premises licence holder.

Last month council licensing bosses agreed to a police request to instantly suspend the licence under amendments to the Licensing Act that came into force on 1 October through the new Violent Crime Reduction Act.

Police said the pub had a history of violent incidents, the most recent being on 12 October when a man was attacked and suffered a detached cornea.

David Lucus, representing Admiral at the review hearing, said the pubco had taken action to evict the tenants when it heard of the violence. He said Admiral tried to help the police and council deal with problems at the pub.

Admiral bought the pub in May and is in negotiations to sell the site for development, although it wanted to keep the licence in case the deal falls through.