Sheffield landlord speaks out after claims customers were found 'hiding' in pub cupboards

Sheffield Council and South Yorkshire Police claim the Pitsmoor Hotel on Pitsmoor Road was visited by licensing officials last Friday following tip-offs from members of the public reporting that it was still serving customers despite all pubs being ordered to close by the government in a bid to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

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They said customers were found ‘hiding in cupboards’.

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A prohibition order has now been served under lockdown laws which allow local authorities and police forces to close premises flouting trading bans.

The landlord of the pub, Paul Greasby, also runs The Staffordshire Arms in nearby Burngreave, which has also been closed down for allegedly flouting lockdown laws.

Mr Greasby, who has had the Pitsmoor for around a year and the Staffordshire Arms for nearly eight years, said: “I would not wish to make any comment at this stage other than to say that the press reports are wildly inaccurate.

“In one instance there was no-one in the public house at all and in the other instance the only people in the public house were my son and some of his friends.

“They were upstairs in the private quarters, no money was taken for any drinks in either instance.

“Neither of these pubs were at the time open to the public.

“The full detail of what took place on these occasions will be given to the proper licensing authority in due course.”

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

“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.”