Pub banned from selling alcohol

Pints are put on hold for one month at the pub

A pub has been banned from selling alcohol for a month after police said it was having a "negative impact" on the community.

The Forest Hotel in Treforest in the south Wales valleys is to go dry after local police applied for a review of the pub's licence.

It followed concerns about underage drinking, crime and disorder.

As well as the alcohol ban, Rhondda Cynon Taf's licensing committee imposed a number of requirements on the pub.

The council's licensing committee was told by South Wales Police of underage drinking as well as associated crime and disorder.

It was also told of violence and disturbance relating to the pub's outside space.

The committee issued strict enforcement measures on the licensee which include banning the sale of alcohol for a month as well as installing a high quality colour CCTV system.

The pub was also ordered not to allow its customers to drink from bottles or cans and no glass was to be used in its outside areas.

Staff training was also ordered to be carried out.

'Shortcomings'

Cllr John David, cabinet member for communities and joint chair of the Community Safety Partnership, said: "This is an important piece of work as it shows the power the Licensing Authority has when it comes to dealing with premises that are causing community concern.

"The police called for a review of the licence because of the ongoing concern of the community in relation to underage drinking at the Forest Hotel and the negative impact its patrons and their behaviour were having on the community.

"This process has allowed us to work with the establishment to identify its shortcomings and put into place stringent measures that allow people to enjoy the Forest Hotel in a safe and legal manner, while not causing suffering or upset to the wider area.

"Again, this review has taken place in an area that has been the focus of partner agencies for some time because of the calls from residents, on which we must act.

"We hope this case once again highlights the powers agencies have and the fact we will use them in order to respond to community complaints and protect the public."