The licence of a Nottingham pub which locals claim 'got out of hand' has been revoked following 'longstanding' concerns. The decision over the Horse and Groom, in Radford Road, Basford, was made during a special city council licensing panel meeting on Tuesday (August 30).
Councillor Toby Neal, who represents the Berridge ward for Labour, said there had been 'longstanding' concerns about the former Shipstones pub. And he explained police had enough evidence to take the licence to the special review.
Inspector Paul Whitehead, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Owing to a number of incidents in recent years, and more recently a serious incident that occurred in July, the licensing team had a need to urgently review the licence at the Horse and Groom. This matter resulted in the police presenting a case to the licensing authority with the view of revoking the licence.
"The ultimate decision was down to the licensing authority, and they decided to revoke the licence.” Councillor Neal added: "I knew there were some issues there, there was the incident just down the road [recently]," Mr Neal said.
"Frankly, there had been concerns for some time about what had gone on. There had been longstanding concerns about it, for the police particularly. So the police thought they had enough evidence to take it to a special review."
People who live nearby said when the pub was open it was a problem once last orders had been called. Colin Smith, 61, who lives in nearby North Gate, said: "It was mayhem at closing time, it got too lively. It closed at the start of August, I think.
"It was quite popular and noisy. Along with the noise and mess, you got some customers parking in front of my house, blocking the road with cars."
John McIntyre, 65, who also lives in North Gate, said the pub had been 'trouble'. "There was quite a lot of trouble here. There would be lots of rubbish and there was horrendous screaming and shouting from people.
"It made it hard to sleep after 12 hour shifts - I must admit I'm glad it is closed. It got out of hand." Another person, who asked not to be named, said: "I'm happy about it closing to be honest. The noise is not the problem - it was the mess with the bottles and glass. There have been police cordons there before but I've not had any hassle. On Saturdays it was busy but it is nicer when it is shut."
The pub’s premises licence had previously been suspended. A spokesperson for Nottingham City Council confirmed police had requested the meeting be held in private due to ongoing investigations. The pub was formerly part of the old Shipstones Brewery and is thought to have previously been used as a training facility for former pub managers.
But the pub has changed hands over the years and no longer associated with the Shipstones brand. Nottinghamshire Live contacted the current landlord of the Horse and Groom for comment. But they declined the opportunity.
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