Police close Sheffield pub disobeying lockdown laws - with customers hiding in cupboards

Police raided The Pitsmoor Hotel on Pitsmoor Road on Friday (April 24) and found a number of hidden customers who had been served at the bar.

This is the second time the license holder of The Pitsmoor Arms has been forced to close a pub that remained open in spite of lockdown rules.

The Staffordshire Arms on Sorby Street, which was served a prohibition notice earlier this month, is run by the same person.

The licenses for both pubs are now under review.

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.

"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."

John O’Malley, Liquor Licensing Manager at South Yorkshire Police, added: “Officers attended the premises and found a number of people hiding in cupboards, the pub was clearly still open for business.

“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 new Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 were announced by the Government earlier this month.

Under this new legislation local authorities and the police can close premises that are flouting the closure ban.

Anyone found to be operating in contravention of the new rules could face enforcement action.

People can report businesses ignoring the rules by emailing: healthprotection@sheffield.gov.uk.