Victoria Pub - Magistrates uphold Licensing Authority's revocation decision

In September we reported on the Victoria Pub case which tentatively considered the effect of Interim Steps, following the issue of an ‘expedited review’ brought against the Victoria Pub in Hayes in relation to allegations of drug dealing at the premises.

Initially, Mostyn J granted an Order lifting the interim steps on the basis that the "claimants will suffer irremediable and severe economic damage". However, in late August Collins J discharged that Order and refused the claim for Judicial Review. Full details of the matter together with the decision can be found in our article: Interim steps - One small step for an Operator, no giant leap for the law. 

Following the dismissal of the challenge, the substantive appeal was heard in October. The judgment has now been published at which time DJ Day dismissed the Appeal and upheld the Council’s decision to revoke the licence.

In this case, evidence was considered including undercover evidence produced by the police and even anonymised hearsay statements from local residents who were afraid of reprisals if their identities had been published.