Private club to have its licence reviewed

A private members club in Great Barr accused of repeatedly flouting the no-smoking laws is to have its licence reviewed by councillors.

Police raided The Valley Private Members Club in November and caught customers smoking inside and ashtrays provided on the tables. The owners will have to appear before the licensing committee at Sandwell Council on Friday to appeal to keep the licence. A report to the committee reveals that the venue already had four complaints since 2007 because of smoking.

But the manager Trevor Cookson blamed the cleaners for the smell.

He also said that during a previous visit to the club, in Tanhouse Avenue, in December 2007 the ashtrays, described as being full of cigarette ends and ash, had not been emptied since July of that year when the smoking ban came into force.

The owners of the club, Shrewsbury-based Famous Inns Holdings Ltd, say they are looking to terminate their contract with Mr Cookson and already have a new manager in mind.

Phillip Bourne, administration manager for Famous Inns, said: "We are completely appalled that anyone would run any venue like this. He did it knowing full well that it would not be him appearing at the licensing committee, it would be us.

"Mr Cookson is in charge for the next five days but we're are looking to bring in someone else."

The latest raid took place on November 7 at 11pm.

In a report to Sandwell Council's licensing committee, Insp Pat Smythe said Mr Cookson's excuse was that he had been watching a boxing match on television.

Insp Smythe said: "On entering, it was clear that customers were being allowed to smoke inside.

"There were a number of customers with lit cigarettes and ashtrays provided on the tables."

He added: "The premises also has conditions on the licence which state that intoxicating liquor can only be sold to bona fide guests.

"There should be a record made of all members who attend. This does not appear to be being done."