Pub regulars have been left choking on their pints after being told they cannot comment on the future of their local – because they live too far away.
A host of residents from Spring Gardens, Ditherington, Harlescott Grange and Sundorne have written to Shropshire Council’s licensing team ahead of a review of the premises licence for the Rock and Fountain in Castle Foregate. But of the 124 letters sent in, only three were accepted because they were sent by people living within 100 metres of the pub.
Licensing officials have sent letters explaining the situation to everyone who wrote in. They have pledged to forward all letters onto review applicants West Mercia Police and have insisted they could still be used as part of the hearing next Friday, July 24.
According to the 2003 Licensing Act, residents can only comment on licence reviews if they live in the vicinity, with Shropshire Council officials setting the benchmark at around 100 metres.
The pub was raided in May as part of Operation Clear, which saw police arrest 24 people from across town for drug related offences.One resident, who did not wish to be named, said he believed people who frequently used the pub should have a right to comment and added people travelled to town pubs from other towns outside Shropshire.
Carol Foster, licensing team leader for central at Shropshire Council, said: “We received 124 letters during the consultation period but only three of those lived within what we would consider the vicinity of the premises, which is within 100 metres.
“All the letters have been sent to the solicitors representing the applicant – in this instance the police – and they may choose to use them during the hearing and people could be called as witnesses.
“These letters have not been totally disregarded but it’s down to the applicant to decide whether or not to use them.”
What do you think? Contact the Chronicle at: pkitchen@shropshirestar.co.uk or call 01743 283313.