King's Arms on George Street Suspended for Three Months Following Violence and Drug Findings
A Brighton pub has lost its licence for three months after a violent incident and evidence of drug use was discovered on the premises.
Licence Suspended After Violence and Drug Evidence
The King's Arms on George Street has been ordered to close for three months following a violent incident and evidence of drug use at the pub.
At a summary review hearing on 20 October, a panel of three councillors reviewed security camera footage of a brawl that occurred on 25 September. Police made two arrests in connection with the incident.
Drug Swabs and Items Found
The day after the violence, police conducted searches in the men's toilets and found bags with traces of white powder and cannabis. Drug swabs tested "high" for cocaine, indicating recent contact with the substance, according to police licensing officer Claire Abdelkader. Officers also discovered betting slips with a shopping list that included "coke 4 grams" or "an 8 ball".
Management Failings
The council said it had considered revoking the pub's licence entirely, noting serious concerns about the designated premises supervisor (DPS) and management's failure to control the premises during the violence. The previous DPS did not act appropriately, the panel heard.
The pub is owned by Craft Union Pub Company, which is itself owned by Stonegate Pub Company. Craft Union's solicitor asked the panel to allow recruitment of a new DPS instead of suspending or revoking the licence.
New Conditions Required
The council acknowledged that the pub owner had taken steps to address concerns and drafted new conditions. These include employing two door staff on Fridays and Saturdays, appointing a new DPS, conducting toilet checks for drugs every 30 minutes, providing a direct contact number for residents, and holding quarterly meetings with neighbours.
The council stated: "This suspension is not a punishment but an appropriate alternative to revocation and necessary to mark a new departure for the premises."
It added that it was "giving the licence holder a chance to turn what has clearly been a very high-risk troubled premises into one in which the licensing objectives are promoted and residents and responsible authorities can have confidence".
Craft Union has the right to appeal against the suspension.
Source: read the full story