Police find drinkers inside two Hednesford pubs during lockdown

Prohibition notices have now been served on the pubs by Cannock Chase Council.

A complaint was made about people gathering in a pub, then officers entered the first premises on March 28 and discovered a number of people drinking inside. Following further enquiries, a similar notice was served on another nearby pub in the town.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 has prevented the sale of alcohol for consumption on premises until further notice. Premises may only open for sales of food and drink where permitted.

The police subsequently reported the matter to the council’s licensing unit and the council has since served a prohibition notice on both premises.

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As the premises are subject to a police investigation they cannot be named.

Dean Piper, head of economic prosperity at Cannock Chase Council said: “Sadly, there have been instances of some pubs flouting the regulations and this council and other local authorities across the country will not hesitate to clamp down on offenders and work with the police on enforcement. The regulations are there for a very important reason.

“Any licensed premises thinking about opening for on-site alcohol sales, particularly this holiday weekend, should seriously think again and don’t do it! Officers are monitoring the situation and both the police and Council enforcement officers will continue to visit premises as required.

“Being served a prohibition notice is a serious matter.”

There are currently 327 licensed premises in Cannock Chase district permitted to sell alcohol which includes clubs and shops, in addition to pubs.