Police find punters hiding in cupboards after raid on pub which had stayed open during lockdown

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Police find punters hiding in cupboards after raid on pub which had stayed open during lockdown

  • Police raided the Pitsmoor Hotel in Sheffield on Friday night following a tip off
  •  Officers found patrons hiding in cupboards while they searched the property 
  • The bar’s landlord had previously been raided at another pub in the city 
  • South Yorkshire Police said there could be long-term implications for the bar  
  • Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19

By Darren Boyle for MailOnline

Published: | Updated:

Police found patrons ‘hiding in the cupboards’ of a South Yorkshire pub which has been ordered to shut after breaching lockdown rules.

The Pitsmoor Hotel in Sheffield was found to be in breach of current laws which prevent pubs from opening to customers during the coronavirus lockdown.

After a tip off from concerned members of the public, officers visited the pub on Friday night and found it was still open.

Police raided the Pitsmoor Hotel, pictured, in Sheffield, where officers found patrons hiding in cupboards to avoid the attention of the authorities

John O'Malley, liquor licensing manager at South Yorkshire Police, said: 'On Friday night, officers attended the premises and found a number of people hiding in cupboards, the pub was clearly still open for business'

John O’Malley, liquor licensing manager at South Yorkshire Police, said: ‘On Friday night, officers attended the premises and found a number of people hiding in cupboards, the pub was clearly still open for business’

John O’Malley, liquor licensing manager at South Yorkshire Police, said: ‘On Friday night, officers attended the premises and found a number of people hiding in cupboards, the pub was clearly still open for business.

‘What makes this more significant, is that the license holder has already been served a prohibition notice under the legislation for another premise, The Staffordshire Arms on Sorby Street.

‘Licenses for both venues are now under review by ourselves and Sheffield City Council, so there could be long-term implications for these businesses.’

The Staffordshire Arms in nearby Burngreave was shut earlier this month with the landlord continuing to ‘shamelessly’ serve customers.

Both pubs have now been served with prohibition notices.

Mr O’Malley said: ‘Right across South Yorkshire we have seen fantastic support, compliance and respect for the restrictions from our licensed premises.

‘I want responsible businesses to see that we are taking enforcement action when it comes to venues who are flouting the rules and ultimately putting lives at risk.

‘I’d also like to thank the public for being vigilant and reporting their concerns.’

Reports continue to be made these are being investigated. Anyone found to be operating in contravention of the new rules will face enforcement action.

Cllr Bob Johnson, cabinet member for transport and development at Sheffield City Council, said: ‘These restrictions are in place to protect everyone from the spread of coronavirus.

‘Hundreds of people are still dying in the UK amidst this pandemic and whilst I am heartened by the sacrifices the vast majority of individuals and responsible businesses are making during this lockdown period, it seems some appear to believe they can ignore the regulations and in doing so risk spreading the virus.

‘In these cases, as we have shown here, we will follow up on complaints and take firm action.

‘This license holder has ignored the restrictions, despite having another premises shut down, and may now face additional consequences around the future of these licenses.

‘We ask members of the public to continue reporting their concerns so that we can protect our NHS and protect lives.’