Tenant reports council over CCTV

The former tenant of a Devon pub has reported his council to the local government ombudsman over alleged bad practice after insisting on CCTV.

Andy Cross claims Teignbridge District Council added the condition despite there being no objections to a 3am licence at the Royal Oak Inn, Ideford, and no hearing taking place.

Cross, who left the Heavitree Brewery pub last week, denied council claims he agreed the condition with police.

The council's licensing policy says all bars with licences to trade after midnight must have CCTV unless they can show it isn't needed.

"I've complained to the ombudsman," said Cross. "If necessary I will go for a judicial review."

The condition means two cameras must be fitted, where people enter and exit.

"It cost me £1,200 for the cameras alone, plus the cost of solicitors' fees and a lot of personal distress. Customers are not very happy about the cameras being there."

CCTV is also a condition at Cross's other pubs, the Brunswick Arms and the Exeter Inn at Dawlish, both Heavitree tenancies.

A council spokesman said: "The police assure us that the need for CCTV was agreed with the licence holder, Heavitree Brewery, which has not raised any issue with the council.

"Any variation to conditions of the licence must be made by application from the licence holder."

The Morning Advertiser contacted Heavitree for comment, but received no reply at the time of going to press.