Ravensgate Arms in Ramsgate forced to close
17:11, 19 May 2017
A micropub has been told to shut its doors for the final time after a crackdown on its hours and entertainment.
It comes after a police visit to the Ravensgate Arms in Ramsgate in March, where officers found the site was trading three hours later than its licence allows.
When officers revisited the King Street site a week later the free house was also found to be showing unregulated entertainment and was still open outside of regulations.
A licensing sub-committee of Thanet council reviewed the licence this week and decided to revoke the pub’s licence.
This will mean closure unless the business challenges the decision within 21 days of the hearing.
Police Licensing Enforcement Officer, PC Darren Dennett, said: "A licence should be fully supported and followed and in this case it was not.
"There was no urgency to resolve the breaches and as a result this pub has lost its licence.
"We work closely with the council on this type of issue and as Ramsgate starts to regenerate we welcome new businesses.
"However it is key that the licensing objectives that the council sets out are followed, if not then businesses will be challenged.
"Kent Police will not tolerate irresponsible drinking, which can lead to crime and anti-social behaviour..." - PC Darren Dennett
"Kent Police will not tolerate irresponsible drinking, which can lead to crime and anti-social behaviour.
"The public can be reassured that officers will continuously monitor licensed premises in the area."
A Thanet District Council spokesman said: "The Ravensgate Arms has a strong community following in Ramsgate and it is regrettable that the actions of the licence holders have led to this outcome.
"However, we remain open to working with the owners and licensees to offer advice and support.
"Together with Kent Police, the council works hard to ensure licence conditions for premises across Thanet are adhered to in order to prevent instances of public nuisance, crime and disorder, and to protect public safety.
"Any breaches in these conditions are taken very seriously."