27 June, 2008

A Guildford pub is facing temporary closure following the suspension of its licence by Guildford Borough Council.

The Council's Licensing sub-committee met on Friday (20 June) to review the licence for Platform 9 in Park Street, following the execution of a police drugs warrant at the premises in March.

Licensing sub-committee chairman, Cllr Sheridan Westlake, says: "We hope this decision sends a strong signal to every licensed premises in the borough - we will not tolerate dangerous venues or those which permit drug use. We will continue to work with Surrey Police and other partners to ensure Guildford remains a safe place to live and work."

After hearing evidence from Surrey Police, local residents, environmental enforcement officers, the freehold owners Punch Taverns and the landlord - the Designated Premises Supervisor, the committee found:

• the venue had been used to further crime
• the premises were a risk to the public on health and safety grounds
• there had been a lack of co-operation by the management with public authorities
• the Designated Premises Supervisor had failed in his legal duties and the premises were guilty of poor company practice and poor management
• the rear smoking area had caused a public nuisance to nearby residents at night.

The committee decided to suspend Platform 9's licence for three months. A series of tough new conditions were also imposed, including a requirement for a formal drugs search policy, greater rights of entry for police, more door staff and closing the rear smoking area after 11pm. The venue has now fixed the health and safety defects highlighted by council officers.

Platform 9 can continue to trade during the 21 day deadline for an appeal, and may continue to do so until any such appeal is heard.