pfffffffff
THE BLACK SWAN IS CLOSED!!
An Easton pub with a chequered history has been closed down after complaints from police.
Councillors shut The Black Swan in Stapleton Road at a hearing of the council's licensing committee. It was the first time they have closed a pub with immediate effect under a new licensing law.
They were told by police that up to 100 people have gathered inside and outside the pub at weekends.
People have been glassed or attacked with bottles but police said none of the victims have pressed charges.
There was also evidence that a gun was produced and waved around on one occasion, although it was not discharged.
Landlord Melford Gardener did not attend the hearing.
He has 48 working hours to appeal the decision but a hearing would not be held until after Christmas. Councillors decided to review the closure decision in the new year, probably in January.
Committee chairman Lib Dem councillor Mary Sykes said: "This is the first time we have used this legislation to close down a pub. It is not a decision we took lightly."
The pub has had its licence to stage live shows renewed in the past, despite objections from people that live nearby.
They have claimed the pub has been a haven for drug users and dealers.
It has also been claimed that problems with the venue have arisen since the closures of the Caba Club and the Black and White Cafe in St Paul's.
Mr Gardener told a previous hearing that he had work done to improve soundproofing.
He has also said Easton has a reputation for late-night drinking. In 2005, a council report outlined complaints from residents who were objecting to a licence renewal.
One of them, who had their name and address withheld, said: "We believe that the drug dealers and users have now moved into this area and are frequenting The Black Swan and dealing, spitting, fighting, shouting, swearing, urinating on cars, gardens and front doors, throwing used needles and condoms in residents' front gardens, loud music from the cars when they arrive/leave and while they are buying/taking drugs in the vicinity and staring out at residents while doing any of these anti-social activities, which is leaving them feeling intimidated."
Mr Gardener was not available for comment at the time of going to press.
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Troublespot-Bristol-pub-ordered-close/article-1643444-detail/article.html
