Aberdare Pub Has License Revoked

An Aberdare pub considered by partner agencies to be a location of unacceptable levels of alcohol-related crime and disorder has had its license to sell alcohol revoked.

The decision was made by the Licensing Committee after hearing evidence from experts from South Wales Police, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Licensing and Trading Standards officers and South Wales Fire and Rescue.

All presented to the committee evidence that demonstrated serious levels of disorder in The Boot, Victoria Square, coupled with a lack of effective management that, in turn, illustrated the harm posed to the public by the venue.

As a result, the Licensing Committee made the decision to revoke the premises’ license.

Licensee Anthony Chidgey now has just weeks to appeal the decision of the committee. If he fails to do so by then, the revocation will take immediate effect.

Phil Bevan, Head of Community Safety at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “This is a premises that has been of concern for a number of months, due to alcohol-related crime and disorder and the fact the management seem unable to effectively deal with the issue.

“Police officers gave detailed evidence to the Licensing Committee, supported by CCTV footage, of disorder and incidents of concern.

“We are pleased that the Licensing Committee has supported us in this matter and enforced sanctions against the premises in order to protect the wider public.

“The huge majority of licensed premises in Rhondda Cynon Taf are safe, well-run and friendly venues in which people can have a good time.

“Their management and staff work with us to ensure they are doing all they can to keep Rhondda Cynon Taf safe and we appreciate that effort.

“However, there are still cases like this, where we have no option but to join forces and secure action against premises that are causing harm to the community and putting law-abiding residents at risk.”