Pub could lose licence over 'criminal offences' at venue

POLICE ARE CALLING FOR A REVIEW NEXT WEEK 20:15, 29 May 2025Updated 20:20, 29 May 2025 A Wirral pub could lose its licence as Merseyside Police call for a review of its licence off the back

of alleged criminal offences at the premises. Councillors next week will review the licence held by Claughton Hotel on Upton Road in Claughton, Wirral at a meeting on June 5. According to

its web page, the pub describes itself as a “cheery local” that welcomes everyone. The pub currently has a licence to sell alcohol until 11.30pm Monday to Thursday and until half past

midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Closing times are half an hour later to midnight and 1am respectively. However an application has been received by Wirral Council to review the premises

licence for the pub. A council report published ahead of the licensing meeting said: “The grounds for the review relate to criminal offences occurring at the premises. "Merseyside

Police considers these activities undermines the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.” Article continues below The council’s licensing department

has also made a representation supporting the police’s request for a review. The report said licensing “make reference to a number of complaints alleging illegal activity taking place which

it was reported was associated with the premises.” No other representations were received and Merseyside Police were approached for comment. A spokesperson for Craft Union, which oversees

the pub, said: "We are continuing to work closely with the police and licensing in this ongoing case.” At the meeting, councillors will hear from police, licensing, as well as

representatives from the Claughton Hotel. They could then decide to either modify the licence conditions, exclude a licensable activity from the licence, remove the licence supervisor,

suspend the licence for up to three months, or revoke the licence. Article continues below Councillors may also decide no action is needed. However the report added: “There are crime and

disorder implications arising from the content of this report. Merseyside Police have reported that they have identified illegal activity taking place at the premises subject to the review

application. “In determining the review application, the Licensing Authority must promote the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder.”