Lincoln pub shut for breaking curfew now seeking new landlord

A pub in Lincoln that was shut after being found to be regularly operating in breach of the coronavirus guidance is now looking for a new landlord.

Lincolnshire Police visited The Dog and Bone on John Street off Monks Road after 10pm on Thursday, September 24. They removed everyone from the pub before contacting Batemans on Friday morning, who voluntarily closed the pub with immediate effect.

Police found it was still open beyond the 10pm curfew and people were seen inside drinking. CCTV reviewed by police found the pub failed to implement table service or to ensure customers were wearing face masks when moving around the premises.

The pub remains closed until further notice, but Batemans is already advertising a “rare opportunity to acquire a tenancy in the thriving city of Lincoln”.

The pub is divided into two areas – a public bar with open fire and a lounge with shelves of books and board games. The living accommodation comprises of two double bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and lounge.

It is available on a three year renewable secured tenancy, which includes a supply agreement for all wet stock.

It has a projected annual turnover of £183,756.78 (excluding VAT), with rent of £20,000 a year and a rateable value of £5,500.

See the full listing here.

Sergeant Kimble Enderby, Alcohol Licensing Manager for Lincolnshire Police, said: “As a responsible operator they were as shocked as my team to discover the pub being operated with such a blatant disregard for public health.

“They made the decision to immediately close the pub and remove the current management team. It will remain closed until a new Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) is nominated.

“Any licensed premises continuing trading during the current pandemic must ensure that the venue is a safe and controlled environment for both customers and staff.

“A failure to implement COVID-19 secure measures will result in action being taken against them. Fortunately the majority of premises in Lincolnshire are operating responsibly.”

The Lincolnite contacted Batemans on Monday morning for a statement on the recent situation, but there was no reply by the time of publication.