September 25, 2020 3.33 pm This story is over 42 months old

Lincoln pub that broke curfew shut down

No table service or masks either
The Dog and Bone on John Street.

A pub in Lincoln has been closed after breaking coronavirus curfew, including customers drinking after 10pm and a group of 18 gathered in the pool playing area.

Lincolnshire Police patrolled city pubs and visited The Dog and Bone on John Street off Monks Road after 10pm on Thursday, September 24.

They found it was still open and people were seen inside drinking. It was found that the pub was regularly operating in breach of the coronavirus guidance and undermining the licensing regulations.

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.

At one point, a group of 18 people were seen to be gathered in the small pool playing area at the rear of the pub.

Police removed everyone from the venue and on Friday morning the force contacted Batemans Brewery, who voluntarily closed the pub with immediate effect.

The latest visit came after police and City of Lincoln Council’s Licensing Department were contacted by local residents raising concerns at how the pub was being operated over the past month.

The concerns included reports of serving after hours, people drinking in the street, excessive noise and no social distancing or other measures being put in place.

Attempts were made to implement changes and Batemans worked with police on this, but local officers then reported that incidents were still occurring and actively gathered evidence before Thursday’s visit.

The visit came after pub and restaurant owners had been warned by police that anyone flaunting the new 10pm curfew will face severe punishment.

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.”