MAGISTRATES in Basildon on Friday (17 July) dismissed the appeal of the Queens pub in Grays against having its licence revoked.
In February a three-man panel of Thurrock councillors – chaired by Cllr Mike Stone and including Cllrs Ben Maney and Roy Jones – backed a police call to revoke the pub’s licence.
Mr John Harris (the publican and Designated Premises Supervisor) appealed against the licensing decision in March and the matter was listed for a directions hearing at the court on Friday.
Mr Harris failed to appear and Thurrock Council made an application to dismiss the appeal, based on his non-appearance and his past repeated failure to provide the court with material they had requested.
The court dismissed the appeal and granted the council £200 in costs.
Licensing Officers subsequently visited the premises with the police and advised that alcohol could no longer be served. The premises are complying with this instruction.
Cllr Mike Stone said: “This is a good result arising from the work of the police and licensing officers working together and vindicates the decision of the committee.
“It was not a decision we took lightly, but something we believed, after hearing all the evidence, that was necessary.
“Friday’s decision by the magistrates’ court supports our work and reinforces our message that all licensed premises in Thurrock should be run in a proper and correct fashion … or there will be consequences.”
