A Bedwas pub that was shut down by police has been told to improve before it can reopen.
Gwent Police was called to the White Hart Inn, in Church Street, on Saturday January 7 following an incident and made a closure order under the Licensing Act – meaning the pub had to shut immediately.
Caerphilly Magistrates’ Court then ordered the pub to remain closed until a council licencing review hearing. That was held on Monday January 23.
Gwent Police made representations stating that underage drinkers have been getting into the pub’s beer garden through a broken fence and residents complained about the noise coming from the pub.
Matthew Phipps, the solicitor representing owners Punch Taverns, admitted there were problems at the pub but that it would not be economically viable to employ permanent door staff and install CCTV.
However, the panel of councillors ordered the pub remain closed until at least six CCTV cameras were installed and that staff had undertaken training.
When it does reopen, the pub must also stick to the following conditions.
- Not to serve alcohol after 12am and close by 12.30am between Thursday and Saturday.
- Not allow alcohol to be consumed in the beer garden after 9pm and only allow six people at a time.
- The smoking area should be three metres from the back wall
- Door staff should be on the back door until the fence is repaired and the gate is secured
- A licence-holder should be present from 5pm Thursday to Saturday and on Bank Holidays
- Supervision on the front door for two months
A spokeswoman for Punch Taverns said: “We are working to get the pub reopened as soon as possible following the recommendations of the licencing review.”