A MALDON pub facing a review of its licence is alleged to have brought large gatherings and anti-social behaviour to the area during lockdown.

The application to review the licence of The Jolly Sailor pub in Church Street has been made by Maldon District Council's (MDC's) Environmental Health Department and will be heard by MDC's Licensing Sub Committee on Monday, 28 September. The licensees are Alan and Kerry Brett.

The review comes after complaints from the public and members of the council were made to MDC Environmental Health Officers over the behaviour of people who bought takeaway food and drink from two gazebos erected at the pub during lockdown. Government rules allowing the selling of takeaways were in force at the time and this was permitted under the pub's license.

However, customers are alleged to have hung around the area in large groups without social distancing, dropping litter and creating nuisance for residents and people visiting Hythe Quay.

As part of the review, a report by MDC's environmental health department claims:

"Reports received allege The Jolly Sailor has played loud music on a number of occasions, in a way which encouraged a party atmosphere around The Hythe. This would be in breach of the government advice which states that people accessing takeaway services be served and encouraged to leave the locality before consumption of purchased items."

The report continues: "In addition to the complaints regarding loud music, there have also been reports of people/patrons under the influence of alcohol attempting to board the moored boats without authorisation, acts of public urination and drunken and aggressive behaviour which required Police attendance.

"The Hythe is a popular part of Maldon Town Centre. It is a popular walk through for young families with children and dog walkers. The manner in which The Jolly Sailor operates encourages people to congregate in the locality. As such, the Council believes this increases the risk of Covid transmission."

During a public consultation period, comments from the public on the review were received and are divided between those who support the pub and others who believe the licence should be reviewed.