A PUB which had a "clear link to criminal activity" amid claims it sold fake and smuggled alcohol has been allowed to keep its licence.

Trading standards asked Brighton and Hove City Council to revoke the Royal Standard's licence over fears drinks sold posed a health risk to customers. Police supported the plea, claiming its landlords had failed to keep rowdy football fans in check.

Councillors debated the application in a private meeting on Friday but granted the Queen's Road pub a stay of execution yesterday, instead imposing a series of restrictions. 

Licensing panel chairman , councillor Jackie O’Quinn said there was “compelling evidence” from trading standards about the “sale and storage of illegal alcohol”.

The pub near Brighton Station was raided in a serious organised crime operation in June. More than 170 bottles which were thought to be illegal or counterfeit were seized, a licensing report said.

Admiral Taverns Ltd owns the pub. Alma Dema and Nick Humphries were the listed licensees. Mrs Dema is related to people arrested on suspicion of drug dealing and the pair had a "long history of involvement with illegal alcohol," the report claimed.

Some of the alcohol was stolen and some had come from Station Xpress, a now closed off licence owned by Mrs Dema at 65 Queen's Road which she now runs as licensed café La Gigo Gi, according to the documents.

Trading standards manager Jo Player said it was "clear" the pub was linked to "criminal activity" when Mrs Dema was "actively involved" with the business, which is closed at the moment.

The council licensing panel banned Mrs Dema and Mr Humphries from ever working or being involved “in any capacity” at the pub so it could keep the licence.

Councillor O’Quinn said: "In our view such serious mismanagement and criminal activity at these premises would ordinarily justify revocation of the licence. However, there have been negotiations between trading standards, and the licence holder Admiral Taverns Ltd."

She said Admiral Taverns had been working "effectively" with authorities since the problems came to light.

The company must also install 24 hour CCTV and store all footage for at least 28 days with accurate dates and times. Police must be able to view the footage if needed to investigate crime.

Football fans will have to drink out of plastic or toughened glass cups during Brighton and Hove Albion home games. Customers cannot take alcohol outside to drink while smoking, standing on the pavement or eating during the matches.

This condition is also in place during the Pride celebrations. The licence holder has 21 days to appeal the decision.

Anna Clissold, business development manager at Admiral Taverns, said: “We have been working very closely with the local authorities and we are thankful that an agreement has been reached regarding the future of The Royal Standard and conditions agreed. We are pleased that the premises’ license remains intact and we will continue to cooperate with all relevant parties.”

Mrs Dema declined to comment on the situation when contacted by The Argus. Mr Humphries was unavailable. 

Background

BRIGHTON and Hove City Council's licensing panel chose to discuss the situation at the Royal Standard pub in private, barring the press and public from the meeting.

Panel chairman Jackie O'Quinn said this was because "new information" had come to light about the pub which needed to be shared confidentially. The council would not disclose the nature of the information or why it had to be discussed behind closed doors when asked by The Argus.

Click here to read the full story behind the events leading to the licence review