AN application to review the premises licence for a Maldon pub has been dismissed by district councillors.

The Jolly Sailor pub in Church Street will not have any alteration to its licence as a result of a review after Maldon District Council's (MDC) Licensing Sub-Committee decided there was insufficient evidence to substantiate claims that the pub had broken lockdown rules.

The sub-committee heard on Monday, 28 September, arguments put by Damien Ghela, MDC's lead specialist for the community, detailing the reasons why the council had applied for the review.

But licensee Alan Brett and his representative, Ian Seeley, defended the pub's actions during lockdown and argued that there was no evidence to show that the problems with crowds, littering and public urination at Hythe Quay were due to take-away customers from the pub.

In a letter to Mr Ghela and Mr Seeley dated September 30 and posted on the council's website today (Monday,12 October), it is stated:

"The Sub-Committee considered the representations of Mr Ghela and Mr Seeley carefully in relation to the licensing objectives. Mr Ghela stated that there were various allegations made about social distancing, lack of use of personal protective equipment (PPE), noise nuisance, littering and public urination.

"Although the members accepted that these allegations were concerning, there was insufficient evident to show that most of these allegations related to the Jolly Sailor. On the issue of PPE, it was not demonstrated that this would have been a breach of legal requirements during May and June.

"The Sub-Committee are of the view that Maldon District Council should visit the premises within 14 days to confirm that the correct working practices are being followed as required by the Coronavirus Act and related regulations to satisfy any concerns the public may have as a result of this review of the premises licence. This is only a recommendation."

Councillors also recommended that if the pub wanted to carry out similar outside activities in the future, the licensee should contact the council in advance to ensure they comply with current rules.