Tameside Magistrates have rejected an appeal from a pub who wanted restrictions on their licence lifted.

The Top End Bar in Ashton had their licence suspended for three months and conditions imposed after officers and police found them in breach of Coronavirus restrictions at the start of lockdown.

On 3 April 2020, licensing officers and police who were working as part of Operation Gritstone found the premises on Stamford Street opened for what was called a business meeting. When they investigated they found that alcohol was present.

As a result, Tameside Council’s Speakers Panel (Liquor Licensing) suspended the bars licence for three months and added conditions that took effect once it was reinstated.

On July 23, 12 months to the day since that decision was taken, Tameside magistrates dismissed an appeal to remove the licence restrictions and awarded the council full costs.

Cllr Allison Gwynne, Tameside Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods, said: “Tameside Council will always take action when it is needed. The covid regulations that were in place at the time of the offence were there to ensure the safety of staff and patrons and it was essential they were followed fully.

“On the whole, however, I’m proud of the excellent relationship that exists between the council and licensees. The vast majority of them have worked with us to keep people safe during the pandemic, as our many inspections have shown.”

Chief Inspector Lee Broadstock added: “Greater Manchester Police will continue to take proportionate action against businesses that breach regulations intended to keep the public of Tameside safe.

“In this case the business chose to open at a time when covid restrictions were clear that bars, pubs and clubs had to remain closed. The result should serve as a reminder to all Tameside licensed premises of the consequences of acting unlawfully.”

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