Denton pub that broke Covid-19 restrictions keeps licence

A DENTON pub that was closed for being a ‘serious an imminent threat to public health’ by repeatedly breaching Covid-19 regulations has kept its licence.

But the Jolly Hatters is likely to remain shut for another three or four months.

Customers were allowed to gather as normal, be served at the bar without screens and a large brawl even broke out as showing football matches proved a problem.

It even opened up the day after then landlady Deborah McCallum was told to stay closed!

However, despite the breaches Tameside Council stopped short of revoking its licence completely.

Instead, extra conditions were attached, including reducing its opening hours until 11pm.

Also no drinks of any kind will be allowed in the front garden and any benches will be removed from it.

And a minimum of two door staff must be on duty when any Manchester United or City football match, any international competitive football match, any high risk football match, any boxing or MMA bout involving a domestic fighter or any other sporting event that police designate is screened.

Strict conditions over noise were also imposed and owners Ei Group were also warned they have a, ‘mandatory responsibility to have responsible drinks promotions.’

However, despite not having its licence taken off it, they confirmed it will be closed for three to four months while they ‘find the right person.’

A meeting of Tameside Council’s Speakers Panel (Liquor Licensing) committee heard details of numerous breaches concerning the Town Lane pub.

On July 4, when Manchester United played Bournemouth in the Premier League, police found it was non-compliant with the coronavirus regulations, customers were not maintaining social distancing, multiple households were mixing together and the premises were overcrowded.

A week later, it was found to be serving people until 4am and on August 14, police found music was being played too loudly.

Just 24 hours later, a large brawl involving approximately 15-20 people took place inside the premises and then spilled out on to the street. This incident was not reported to the police.

CCTV showed that prior to the fight taking place, Covid-19 regulations had been breached with large groups were sat together not socially distanced.

The landlady had been watching football – Manchester City v Lyon in the Champions League – and drinking within the large group.

On September 11, police and licensing officials found a DJ playing loud music.

They also found the landlady was ‘extremely intoxicated’ and became confrontational towards the Police.

It was also said Ms McCallum told them: “What’s the point in me paying a DJ if I can’t play loud music?”

And even though the council was advised the pub, which had its licence reviewed in 2018, would close on September 16, it was open again on September 17 with Ms McCallum saying she opened ‘claiming she had taken legal advice and advised she could open as she had received no written instruction.’

The hearing also heard submissions from concerned nearby residents, including claims that drug dealers were pulling up outside and people were seen urinating against a fence.

An 86-year-old man, a customer for 61 years who admitted ‘it wasn’t well run’, said: “To think somehow there won’t be a loss of community would be a big mistake.

“There’s nowhere for people to get together, the Jolly is an asset for the local community.

“Please look at the bigger picture and work together for the future.”

However, other residents contended: “There are times when it’s been absolutely horrific.

“After the football has finished, the karaoke starts, then the disco.

“It doesn’t shut until 1am and it’s atrocious to live opposite. They promise it won’t happen again, we’ll change. Within weeks it goes back to how it was.

“It’s a disgrace. It’s a shocking place to live if you live opposite that pub. Ei Group and the licensees they’ve put in place have failed on every occasion. We’re fed up – please, no more chances. Shut the pub.

“It’s sad to think the area could go back to what it was like when the pub was open. It’s been a blessing while the pub’s been closed.”

The hearing viewed CCTV footage of the August 15 brawl but PC Martin Thorley of Greater Manchester Police took a dim view of the actions of both landlord and landlady and Ei Group.

After contacting them to advise against showing football matches in future, he was concerned at their ‘lack of commitment.’

He said: “I’m not satisfied that papering over the cracks with another change will change this premises for the good of staff, customers, residents and the authorities in the future.”

Ei’s legal representative, Richard Taylor, however, got PC Thorley to concede a number of conditions they proposed would be better.

He added: “Other than closing the pub, strong conditions are required and strong management is required. I share the residents’ concerns but in my time as licensing officer, there’s been no investigations into the premises.”

Mr Taylor, who insisted conditions are, ‘doable and we can do it,’ admitted: “The CCTV we saw was disgraceful and the management of that and the premises was wholly inadequate.

“Certainly not what Ei expects. We agreed a package of measures we believed would promote the licensing objectives if handled by suitable and strong management.

“September saw the last straw for Deborah McCallum. We tried to work with her but when we were told she’s got to go, we got rid of her quickly. We accept any criticism.

“It was agreed that live sport appears to have been a catalyst for difficulties. You can either manage the showing of sporting events or prohibit it.

“We have no-one earmarked for the pub yet. What it needs is someone with a proven track record. It’s up to us to do it, we see this as our last chance saloon.”

Chairman of the committee, Cllr Dave Sweeton, said: “There have been a number of serious issues at he premises between July and September.

“Issues continued despite warnings. The premises have had a serious adverse impact on the local community.

“But on balance, the panel considers the imposition of additional conditions would be a proportionate response.

“The narrative of this pub and the model is not particularly to our liking. I’ve never had to impose such draconian measures on any pub. What we’ve heard has been terrible.”