Swindon Borough Council has servered a pub landlord with prohibition notice stopping them opening after police were forced to break up a party there on Thursday night.
Despite the coronavirus lockdown laws preventing it from opening, Wiltshire Police were called to the Deers Leap in Penhill Drive following reports from members of the public that a group of people were inside drinking and listening to music.
After police officers attended the pub, a disorder took place and three officers were assaulted.
Amanda Maciezszonek, 51, of Albany Close, was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with common assault of an emergency worker and two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker. She has been released on bail and is due to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on 1 July.
The incident was reported to the Council’s Licensing department and on Friday night council officers and the police attended the pub and served a prohibition notice on the pub’s landlord Iain Watson. If he fails to follow the Government’s regulations and cease trading, he may be fined or prosecuted.
Under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 the sale of alcohol for consumption on premises has been banned until further notice.
Councillor Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety, said: “Our priority is to keep people safe and well. The current coronavirus rules have been brought in for one reason only – to protect the public and stop the spread of the virus.
“This was an illegal gathering and a very serious incident. It was not a misunderstanding of the rules but a deliberate contravention. We had no choice but to issue the prohibition notice.
“We will take similar action against other premises if they are found to be flouting the rules in this way, and that could result in a fine or prosecution.
“We appreciate this is a particularly difficult time for many businesses, including those in the hospitality industry, but these regulations must be adhered to for everyone’s safety.
“If any landlord or licensee has any queries about whether they can trade, they should contact our Licensing Manager who is always happy to give them advice.”
