A TROUBLED venue has continued to sell alcohol despite its licence being revoked because of a legal battle.

The Gin Tub in Church Road, Hove, failed three drugs swipe tests in a seven-month period.

Traces of cocaine had been found in the bar, sparking concerns from police and Brighton and Hove City Council officials.

In December the council’s licensing panel announced it had revoked the licence but the venue has remained open and allowed to sell alcohol.

That is because owners Steve and Justine Guille and son-in-law Scott Callister have chosen to appeal against the decision.

The council says this means the bar can stay open until the case is heard in a magistrates’ court.

A spokesman said: “The licensing panel which represents the council’s licensing authority have revoked the premises licence for the premises known as the Gin Tub on December 9 2019 following a review hearing brought by the police.

“The panel were very concerned that the management had not taken the issue of Class A drug use in their premises seriously enough despite the evidence, interventions and warnings from the police.

“However, the premises licence holder has appealed the council’s decision, which is their statutory right to do so.

“The subsequent appeal hearing will be held in a magistrates court.

“Until the appeal is determined by magistrates, the decision by the council to revoke the licence is held in abeyance.

“The council is bound to respect the law on such matters.”

Previously, the owners told a Brighton and Hove City Council licensing panel they had improved security and redesigned the toilets without flat surfaces.

But the council’s decision letter said: “The panel are very concerned that the management have not taken the issue of Class A drug use in their premises seriously enough despite the evidence, interventions and warnings from the police.

“The panel appreciate that some of the right measures may now be being put in place but this is only really in response to this review and has not been tested.

“We are not confident that the management will sustain lasting improvement and compliance as they do not appear to have understood their responsibilities and responded effectively at the appropriate stage.”

Gin Tub director Scott Callister said: “We are looking to work with the council to resolve the issues and as the review decision is under appeal we are unable to say any more at this stage.”