Brixham Bar owner ordered to pay Council's costs

The owner Hennessey Cocktails in Brixham, Ross Hennessey, has been ordered to pay Court costs to Torbay Council following an appeal against the revocation of his Premises Licence.

Hennessy’s Cocktails had their Premises Licence revoked by Torbay Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee following an application by the Police for a review of the licence, due to a number of concerns not being addressed.

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The case was heard at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court over two days, concluding on Friday 17 December 2021. The Court found overwhelming evidence to support the decision of the Licensing Sub-Committee, dismissed the appeal and Mr Hennessey was ordered to pay £21,277 in costs.

Councillor Vic Ellery, Chair of the Licensing Committee, said: “We do not take the decision to revoke a licence lightly as we do and want to support businesses and the night-time economy, especially during these very difficult times for the hospitality industry. We always prefer to work with the Premises Licence Holders, to ensure compliance, but when they do not respond appropriately to the advice of ourselves or the Police, then we are left with little choice but to act in the public interest. In this case we took decisive action to uphold the law and the licencing objectives and will do so again, should the need arise.”

Inspector Carmen Desborough, Sector Inspector Paignton and Brixham said: “Devon & Cornwall Police always endeavour to support local businesses and the night-time economy, especially as many of our local communities, and particular in Brixham, rely so heavily on the hospitality industry.

“However, when businesses do not comply with licensing conditions, affecting the wider community, we will work in partnership with other agencies, such as Torbay Council, to make sure licensing laws and objectives are upheld.”