The manager of a trouble-hit Rossendale pub has had her licence revoked after showing a ‘blatant disregard’ to police concerns about after-hours drinking, noise and suspected drug use by customers.
Marie Burke, licensee of The Roebuck in Waterfoot, will lose her premises licence in 21 days following a council decision this week unless she formally appeals to a magistrates’ court, councillors ruled.
Miss Burke was unwell and did not attend the licensing review, but sent a written statement, generally defending her record and highlighting the pub’s community links.
She said she had recently made changes, including stopping serving drinks "a full hour before closing time", and also "respectfully disputed" some police accusations.
Her sister, Jayne Walton, who helps at the pub, represented her and was in tears at several points during the hearing.
Police and a council officer visited The Roebuck three times last October, following complaints from a neighbour.
They found seven licence conditions breached out of 16.
A previous review was held in 2022 after earlier complaints. The sisters took on the pub’s management in 2020.
In addition, safety concerns were raised by councillors this week, regarding the lack of a clear, unhindered fire escape at The Roebuck’s front door.
When police visited at 12.45am, the front door was locked with 15 to 20 people inside after hours.
Councillors said they were conscious of the potential risk of fire and the need for escape routes, especially following the recent deadly club fire in Switzerland.
A tearful Ms Walton said: “First, I apologise for any distress caused to residents.
"We’ve tried to do our best and were not aware of any complaints until the police visited.
"We genuinely try to help the community, including elderly folk who come, and had fantastic comments from customers.
“My sister is suffering from the stress of all this. We now plan to leave by the end of February. New people are interested in the pub.
“I also apologise if I appeared aggressive when the police came. I am a passionate person and don’t always find the right words, but I don’t like us being described as incompetent.
"Maybe we are not professionals, but I feel we are being put down by some people.”
She said the pair had zero tolerance of drugs, and of an incident when police visited and found a small plastic bag in the men's toilets they suspected had contained cocaine, she said a funeral wake had been held a few days before, when badges in small plastic bags were handed out.
Ms Walton also claimed staff were not serving drinks when police visited but simply clearing up, and the customers were waiting for taxis inside rather than standing outside.
She also said there was uncertainty about drinking-up time before closure at midnight. However, the pair now call last orders earlier.
She added internet connectivity could be poor, which might explain problems with Marie Burke sending CCTV footage to police.
Police Sergeant Stephen Dundon visited the pub in October and filmed the scene, finding two or three people outside the locked front door.
After some time, it was opened, and around 15 to 20 customers were inside, many with drinks.
Police visited after Marie Burke failed to reply to police emails and telephone calls.
Sgt Dundon added: “In my opinion, both women were under the influence of alcohol that night, particularly Jayne.
"Their behaviour was unprofessional at best. Jayne has since made much of my visit on social media.
"Her reaction was another example of how they do not undertake their responsibilities and seek to blame everyone else.
“Marie lied to us about CCTV footage. CCTV showed they were serving customers after hours. I made various requests for footage but got no response.
"Marie is uncooperative, dishonest and incompetent. She has no understanding of licensing objectives and is unable to run a premises.”
Geoff Smith lives behind the pub. He said: “Before I moved there, I visited The Roebuck.
"It seemed like a friendly pub, and I spoke to the barman, who said it was a nice, quiet area.
“But when the beer garden is used, people’s voices are amplified like an amphitheatre and there’s music. It just gets louder.
"The pub is not an issue for me. It’s the back area. In the summer, the noise is unbearable.”
Steven Duffy, another neighbour, said: “I bought my house 26 years ago. It’s about 20 metres away from the pub’s backyard.
“The first thing I want to say is thank you to the pub managers who have recently shown they can operate it in a pleasant way. It’s been much more subdued since October.
"But problems come in the summer. I can’t open my windows because of all the shouting.”
He added: “I don’t want the pub closed. The backyard is the problem.
"There are not enough pubs these days and my daughter uses this pub. When I bought my house, I knew there might be some noise.
"But I’ve managed that for 26 years, and I would ask for the pub to replicate that too.”
A written statement was read out by another neighbour, Jack Sharkey, with accusations of noise, groups gathering outside and cannabis smells.
He said extra conditions imposed in 2022 had ‘failed’ and he supported revoking the licence or other action.
Committee chair Councillor Christine Gill said: “The video and statements today have shown the blatant disregard for the police and for licensing conditions.
"This is unacceptable. The police evidence is reliable and credible, despite being challenged.
"The licence is entirely revoked.”
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