Pub banned from selling alcohol

A pub in Hackney, east London, has been banned from selling alcohol for three months after police called for its licence to be withdrawn.

Hackney Council’s licensing committee agreed to suspend the licence of The Plough in Homerton High Street, after police were called to an incident late last year.

The Hackney Gazette reports that sergeant Guy Hicks of Hackney Police’s licensing unit commented on the incident in December, Hicks said: “It is believed that a group had left the venue as they were doing so a glass or bottle was thrown at them from inside the venue which hit one of them in the face.

“This caused the group to retaliate, it is alleged that other scuffles then started inside.

“Most people were uncooperative with police and many are known to be linked to local gangs.”

The newspaper also reported that local police officer, PC Paul Merry, said in a statement to the council: “It is clearly apparent that [the current licensee's] approach to the safety of his customers and venue is very weak.

“He has little to no control when serious incidents occur.

“We have no confidence in the licensee’s ability to run and manage this venue or prevent a similar incident occurring.

“It is feared there may be further incidents of violence or injury.”

Hackney Council will review the pub’s licence when a new operator takes over the premises.