Pub loses fight for licence
A pub in Tottenham has served its last pint after losing an appeal to hold onto its licence.
The Swan pub, in Philip Lane, which also operates as a late-night club and restaurant, had its licence revoked in January following a recommendation from police.
A damning police report revealed the pub had
"continuously flouted the terms and conditions of its licence".
The report cited contraventions such as late admissions to the venue, serving under-age drinkers, inadequate security on its doors and violent fights outside the club.
It was also the place where schoolgirl Annaka Pinto, 17, was fatally gunned down in June last year.
Pub bosses appealed but, at a hearing at Highgate Magistrates Court, in Bishops Road, last Thursday, magistrates upheld the decision to close it.
The manager, Paul Bruce, who has run the Swan for 26 years, was also ordered to pay £13,000 in costs.
The bar is now banned from serving alcohol although it remains open to serve food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Councillor Nilgun Canver, cabinet member for enforcement and safer communities, said: "Police have told us there have been many problems associated with this pub and they have been concerned for some time.
"The way it was run put the neighbourhood in jeopardy and has been cause for some concern among nearby
residents.
"The police list of problems with this pub makes horrific reading. I am pleased with this decision."
But despite police evidence, residents in Tottenham have rallied round the pub, seen by many as an integral part of the community.
Supporters have accused police of using Mr Bruce as a scapegoat and say much of the violence happened outside the venue, beyond his control.
Mr Bruce declined to
comment.
A spokeswoman for Punch Taverns, which owns the pub, refused to comment on whether The Swan would have its lease renewed or if new tenants would be
moving in.
She added: "A pub is a pub and should be serving
alcohol and we want that to
happen soon."
The business relationship manager responsible for the Swan said: "We are committed to ensuring that the Swan trades responsibly.
"Our main priority is to ensure we resolve the current licensing issue as quickly as possible."
9:00am Friday 9th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Robin Wallace, Tottenham on 8:03pm Sat 10 May 08
THE CLUB MENTIONED IN THE ABOVE ARTICLE IS SHOUT WHO GOT AWAY WITH A SLAP! THIS IS AN INSULT TO OUR COMMUNITY.
THE CLUB MENTIONED IN THE ABOVE ARTICLE IS SHOUT WHO GOT AWAY WITH A SLAP! THIS IS AN INSULT TO OUR COMMUNITY.
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