'Every pub does it': Pub loses licence after 8am lock-ins

By Oli Gross

- Last updated on GMT

Nottingham licence revoked lock-in 8am

Related tags Pub Nottingham

A distraught publican's licence has been revoked by the local council after a string of late-night lock-ins at the pub.

The Queen Adelaide pub in Sneinton, Nottingham has lost its license after Nottinghamshire Police complained about violence, and the venue being out of control.

8am lock-ins

Police claimed the pub was holding late-night drinking sessions until 8am, and that violent incidents were not reported.

But the pub had strong support from the community, who presented the panel with a 170 named petition for the popular licensee, Marilyn Lee, to keep her pub.

But Nottinghamshire Council’s licensing panel took the decision to revoke the licence at a committee last week.

The Nottinghamshire Post​, which was at the committee, reported Lee’s plea to the panel.

Every pub does it

"Every pub in Nottingham does it and I was the only one who got caught. I have to pay the bills,” she said.

"There are only four houses opposite the pub and some of them are regulars. One of those is a woman who holds her kids' parties here. We all help each other.

"It would be a shame if the pub was forced to close. I took it on four years ago when it was run down and full of drug dealers. I enjoy what I am doing and I want to keep it.

"I am well liked in Sneinton and I am not on drugs. I don't drink as I like to stay focused so I can see what's going on.

'I know it was wrong'

"But I have admitted it. I have got no excuse. When I first took over I knew they always had lock-ins at the pub so I just carried it on. I know it was wrong now."

Nottinghamshire Police’s solicitor argued it was a miracle there had not been a serious incident at the pub due to a long line of violent incidents there.

Police also reported the pub’s CCTV being inadequate.

Related topics Licensing law

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