Police call for Sheldon pub to have it’s licence revoked after serious threats to staff

Police say the pub attracts drug dealers and anti-social behaviour
Bar man collecting glasses at a pubBar man collecting glasses at a pub
Bar man collecting glasses at a pub

Residents living in the vicinity of a pub in Sheldon are ‘living in fear’ of drug dealers and anti-social behaviour at the venue, it has been claimed.

West Midlands Police have called for the George V pub to have its licence revoked after several incidents over the years which have seen customers attacked with baseball bats, police cars pelted with bottles and pub managers receiving death threats from pub regulars.

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Speaking before the council’s licensing committee, a spokesperson for West Midlands Police argued that the pub should be stripped of its licence after a series of incidents dating back to 2017.

What have West Midlands Police officers said in their own words?

“There’s a deep-rooted issue of the premises being associated with anti-social behaviour because of the customer base who, for a significant period of time, have been allowed to do as they please at George V, with no regard to local residents, managers, or even the police,” he said.

“This attitude from the customer base that frequent the premises has brewed over the years, with managers unwilling to promote the licensing objectives by turning a blind eye.

“Residents have made claims that local drug dealers regularly attend the premises, and deal on the car park in full view of the door staff.

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“The residents feel so scared and intimidated by the premises that they are scared of reprisals should they be named, and have emphasised several times the wish to remain anonymous.

“Earlier this month a call was made to the police by a female reporting that her boyfriend had been beaten up by five males at George V. One of the offenders had a metal bat, which was obtained from behind the bar.

“The caller reported that the injured party had sustained injuries to their head, knuckles and mouth, which had blood pouring from it.”

George V pub in SheldonGeorge V pub in Sheldon
George V pub in Sheldon

Have there been other incidents at the George V

Other incidents in 2021 have seen police called to deal with a mass brawl in the car park, with police cars pelted with bottles when attending the scene, while back in March equipment used for cannabis cultivation was removed from the flats above the pub.

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And the committee also heard how the pub had been through four Designated Premises Supervisors (DPS) in the past four years, one of whom received several death threats from regulars after attempting to bar certain individuals from the premises.

What has the George V pub said about the accusations?

Speaking at the meeting a representative for the pub argued for the licensee to be given one last chance, with plans to transform the pub into a food-first, family-friendly premises.

What has the council said about the claims against the pub?

However a spokesperson for the council’s licensing department said she did not believe that such a move would be successful, and also asked that the licence be revoked.

“In my opinion the licence holder has failed miserably,” she said.

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“Residents live in fear of their lives, and they have the right to a normal life, a quiet life.

“I am not convinced that the reputation can change. I believe it has gone too far.

“I would ask that the committee consider revoking the licence.”

The decision is expected to be published in the next few days.

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