Customers at The Devonshire Arms, Sutton given a final warning
Customers at The Devonshire Arms in Sutton-in-Ashfield are being given a final warning to behave sensibly or face their local pub shutting down.
There have been incidents at the pub, in High Pavement, Sutton-in-Ashfield, on the last two Saturdays.
Concerns have been raised by both the public and local partners after reports of disorder inside the pub on both evenings. Police responded to the incidents and acted quickly to resolve them when they happened.
Nottinghamshire Police and Ashfield District Council are working closely with the pub’s licensees to ensure that the appropriate measures are in place to keep everyone safe.
Neighbourhood Inspector Mark Dickson said:
“Today myself, an officer from Nottinghamshire Police’s licencing team, Ashfield District Council and the pub’s management have met to discuss safety issues following the reopening of The Devonshire Arms.
“We have agreed that the pub will have to prevent incidents or face further action.
“The pub’s management is engaging well with us and working to resolve the issues. However, there is a huge personal responsibility for customers visiting the pub to behave sensibly.
“It’s those customers who I would like to appeal to and say, if you can’t follow the guidelines then ultimately you will not be able to visit your local pub – I’m sure nobody wants that.
“We’re committed to keeping the public safe, including on a night out, and to see these kinds of incidents repeated is not acceptable. Everyone needs to take responsibility for their own actions when they go out for a drink – even more so during a pandemic.
“We want to work with businesses and support them, but we will look at license reviews and closures as a last resort where it becomes necessary to do so.”
Cllr Helen-Ann Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety said
"It saddens us that following the lifting of restrictions residents are choosing to behave this way. Ashfield District Council are working closely with the Police and the landlord to ensure that the actions of a few do not spoil things for everyone. All parties are keen to work together, but Ashfield District Council will take a strong line with regards to anti-social behaviour and the need to respect the rights of the local community.
“Antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated by Ashfield District Council. As restrictions continue to lift we ask that residents take responsibility for their actions, otherwise they put the pubs they visit at risk of closure.”
Kieron John, Area Manager for Marston’s Brewery said:
“I am really pleased with the outcome of the meeting with Nottinghamshire Police and Ashfield District Council Licencing.
“There have been challenges since re-opening the establishment following the lifting of restrictions. We have worked hard to implement the new ways of working and are constantly looking to improve when we identify an issue. As a company we are committed to working together to provide a safe and enjoyable time for our customers.”
Ann Clifton, licensee of The Devonshire Arms, said:
“Myself and my staff are working hard to provide a great experience for our customers and will continue to work with the brewery, security team, council and police to achieve this.
“To deliver a great experience we have decided to reduce our capacity, have introduced a last entry time and have reorganised how we serve the customers.
“We really enjoy being a hub of the community and being able to serve our customers. We need those visiting our pub to respect the new rules and set up, respect each other and our staff, and act in a sensible way for the enjoyment of everyone.”
