A MAN whose application to take over control of an Ashton pub is taking Tameside Council to court.
James Beevor was told he could not become licensee of Molly Malone’s, on George Street, at a hearing that saw reference to the Magna Carta, human rights and, in the words of TV show Line Of Duty, bent coppers.
Now he is appealing to the courts to try and overturn the decision of the Speakers Panel (Liquor Licensing) committee.
And a trial will be heard on November 23 in Stockport to make a decision.
According to court papers from a hearing at Tameside Magistrates on August 12, Mr Beevor believes his human rights have been violated.
In the charge sheet against Tameside Council’s Democratic Services department, it states: “The Speakers Panel made an error of law by failing to interpret the Licensing Act 2003 in accordance with the Human Rights Act 1998.
“The error meant that the Speakers Panel wrongly took account of police representations about an alleged offence.
“Not only have I not been convicted of that alleged offence, even if I was that could not form the basis of the revocation of my personal licence.
“This is because this offence is a not a relevant offence listed in Schedule 4 to the Licensing Act 2003.
“It is perverse, irrational and illogical for the law to be interpreted in the way it has been.
“That is to say, by refusing the transfer and variation of the premises licence for the Molly Malone public house to show me as the designated premises supervisor.
“That being so the Speakers Panel have acted contrary to the law.”
Tameside Council’s Speakers Panel (Liquor Licensing) committee said no to the switch of licence at a hearing, which came against a backdrop of the existing licence holder not consenting.
Mr Beevor indicated he hoped to change the premises into a bar and restaurant that featured live music but he outlined the issues he had been having with the current licensee.
He wrote: “I have emailed him several times and his response was he would not surrender the license.
“The previous license holder has taken it and has refused to give it to us.”
PC Craig Foley, of Greater Manchester Police, told how they were against any move, saying: “I have concerns over the suitability of James Beevor and his ability to run a safe public house and his ability to promote the licensing objectives.”
Colleague, PC Daniel Wilson, added: “I would be really worried and concerned should Mr Beevor be left in charge or manage a premises never mind a possible food retail promises.
“I don’t think Mr Beevor would be in the right state of mind to be given that responsibility.”
The panel hearing received representation from Mr Beevor’s friend, James McKenzie in support of the application.
He made reference to the Magna Carta, human rights, accused police officers of being ‘bent’ and made claims against the former tenant.
Mr Beevor’s case will be heard at Stockport Magistrates Court on November 21.