Pub manager prosecuted for breaching licence

The manager of Carmarthen’s Lolfa Lounge, Water Street, has been prosecuted for breaching licence conditions.

John Paul James attended Carmarthen Magistrates Court on January 9, and pleaded guilty to eight separate offences contrary to Section 136 of the Licensing Act 2003. He was fined a total of £600, and ordered to pay £450 prosecution costs, with a victim surcharge of £50.

The court heard that Carmarthenshire County Council had received complaints from local residents regarding noise from the premises. Licensing officers had also been made aware of a number of incidents at the premises which had been dealt with by police.

The officers visited the premises on three separate occasions in November 2013, supported by local neighbourhood police officers, and found it was in breach of a number of licence requirements.

On the 1st, 2nd and 10th of November, officers found that entertainment was being provided beyond the permitted hour of 1am.

On November 1st, officers also witnessed the sale of alcohol after the permitted hour of 1am.

On November 5th and 10th, officers observed a number of offences relating to door staff and security – there was no log of refused entries, no training records relating to door staff, and the door supervisor register had not been completed. On the 10th, the premises did not engage the number of door supervisors that were required to meet the terms of the licence.

S A Brain & Company Ltd, which holds the premises licence, closed the Lolfa Lounge in December 2013. It remains closed.

Cllr Jim Jones, Executive Board Member for Public Protection, said: “We take enforcement of licensing conditions very seriously to ensure a safe environment for visitors, and for the benefit of people who live nearby. This prosecution should act as a reminder to licence holders and managers of licensed premises that we will take appropriate action when conditions are not met.”