Pubs warned ‘flout rules and face losing your licence’

Police have warned landlords that if they breach the government-imposed lockdown and continue to serve customers they could lose their licence.

Prime minister Boris Johnson told pubs, cafés, restaurants and bars to close from Saturday amid the coronavirus pandemic, however police forces including Lancashire, Derbyshire and the West Midlands received reports that some licensees had failed to do so.

Derbyshire Police said it has received a “large number of reports”. It added: “It is now against government restrictions for any pub, bar, club, restaurant or similar to open their doors for people to stay on the premises, including in beer gardens.

“We have dedicated licensing teams covering the entire county and officers are noting all licensed premises reported to be staying open.

“Any licensee who fails to comply with the government regulations and the terms of their licence may be handed prohibition notices and potentially unlimited fines. They may also face the loss of their alcohol licence.”

Detective chief constable Terry Woods of Lancashire Police, issued a plea to licensed pubs, clubs and cafés this weekend. He said: “We understand how massive an impact the closures are for you. But overnight we have had reports of some pubs serving. If you carry on then expect a significant problems obtaining a licence when the time comes to open. Please stop now.”

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