DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Sunday, 07 March, 2021.

LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

 

Notes of 2003

 

From the Dover Mercury, 27 February, 2003.

Scheme deters young drinkers.

THE success of the Shopwatch and Pubwatch schemes in combating under-age drinking has been highlighted at the annual licensing sessions in south and east Kent.

Police Superintendent Steve Harris told the licensing committee that under-age-drinkers remained the bane of many licence staff.

"If they are not attempting to buy alcohol on their own behalf, they attempt to cajole bona-fide customers to buy alcoholic drinks for them, thus putting those concerned in jeopardy of prosecution," he said.

"Licensees and shopkeepers who have joined the radio-linked Shopwatch scheme have found the scheme a deterrent and gives them confidence that they are not alone and can summon assistance of the police via CCTV operators and each other.

"The same applied to the radio Pubwatch scheme which first proved a success in Dover and has now been introduced in Folkestone and Hythe."

Supt Harris warned, however, that checks on sales were continuing. Kent Trading Standards Officers and their teams were proving to be a very successful tool in the battle against the sale of alcohol to under-age drinkers.

"Approximately 50 per cent of test purchases made result in a prosecution," he said.

Talks have been taking place with the new management of the former Images and Snoops nightclub in Castle Street in advance of the opening of the club as Lloyds No 1 in May. The talks were particularly concerned with crime prevention measures.

Supt Harris said public houses in the area appeared to be well run, with a few exceptions, and the licensing unit had been working with local authorities, night time traders forums, Dover Partnership Against Crime and licensees to reduce reported crime of assault, criminal damage and public disorder.

In his reply, the Channel courts licensing committee chairman, Ken London, paid tribute to the work done by the licensing officers.

"The reports we have received, while underlining problem areas, also indicate that those who step out of line represent a very small percentage of the overall numbers administered," said Mr London. "Life would not be normal if we did not experience the odd bad apple.

"Our concern is as the number of premises which change hands after long periods of stability with good and professional licensees only to go into rapid decline often due to bad practices on the part of the new licensees.

"There then follows a spate of transfers as the premises seek to re-establish itself.

"Is it too much to expect that new licensees will have done their homework before taking on a licence and will have seen the reason for the past successes and good standing of the business.

"We all know new owners are keen to put their identity on their new business, but that identity should never include bad practise which does no good to our area's good reputation."

 

From the Dover Mercury, 9 October, 2003.

Pub licence warning on stolen goods

PUBLICANS could lose their licences if stolen goods are sold on their premises, police have warned.

If there is evidence that stolen property is being sold in a public house, the police can seek to have the liquor licence for that premises revoked.

Police spokesman Jon Green said: "The police actively pursue criminals who sell stolen goods taken from burglaries and shoplifting, and officers believe many are being sold in some town centre pubs."

A letter has been sent to a number of publicans advising them and their staff to watch out for sales that may take place in their premises.

Under the Kent County Council Act 2001, second hand dealers are required to keep proper records of all goods acquired and sold, and full details of all transactions, including details of who sold the item.

According to PC John Stammers, the success of the Kent Act has forced criminals to find other markets for their stolen goods.

PC Stammers said: "Since the new legislation was introduced a couple of years ago, criminals have found it difficult to sell their stolen gear in second-hand shops which is why they've started using pubs. We've written to publicans to alert them that this is happening and to advise them to keep vigilant."

 

 

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