A hotel owner in Skegness tried to convince police officers that people seen drinking in his bar were in his “social bubble” but owned up when CCTV was checked.
East Lindsey District Council’s licensing sub-committee is due to review the Grosvenor Hotel’s license on Tuesday following a Lincolnshire Police request.
The force said owner Russell Sparkes had run his business “in such a manner as to undermine the licensing objectives – that is failure to implement regulations designed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to protect the public.”
On November 17, the force was sent photographs which showed a group of men sitting at the hotel’s bar and drinking. A separate report received the same evening also reported that the bar area was open.
Officers reported how Mr Sparkes said no alcohol sales had taken place and that “the people in the bar area were permanent residents at the hotel who formed part of his social bubble”.
He denied other guests or workmen were permitted in the bar.
However, when visited again two days later and challenged about the allegations, a review of his CCTV was carried out.
“On two separate occasions, a group of males were seen to be openly drinking around a table in the bar area.
“Mr Sparks then conceded that they were not permanent residents or members of his bubble and in fact some were not guests of the hotel at all.
“One male identified on the CCTV was a guest who had gained permission from Mr Sparks to bring a group of friends to the bar for drinks.”
Two further reports were received that month with officers visiting again on the second one and Mr Sparks again saying persons within were part of his bubble.
Lincolnshire Police have requested the premises licence be revoked, saying the failure to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions shows “a clear lack of regard for legislation which has been introduced to fight the spread of this deadly virus.”
The review has also attracted comments from ELDC’s environmental health department, which reports nine legal notices being served in four years on the premises for hygiene and management issues, noting that cautions had “not resulted in sustained improvements”.
Nearby residents have also written to ELDC to complain about noise issues from the hotel, particularly following the construction of an outside stage.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!