POLICE have closed a pub after it was found the licensee had not been at the premises for several months.

The owner of The British Lion, in Carlisle Street, Felling, Gateshead, has been advised that any staff serving alcohol will be in breach of licensing laws and could face a maximum penalty of a £2,500 fine and six months' imprisonment.

Staff at the pub will not be able to sell alcohol again without risking prosecution until Gateshead magistrates grant a liquor licence to a new licensee.

Gateshead licensing officer Nicole Theobald said: "We hope this serves as a warning to other licensed premises.

"Licensees have to be aware that ultimately the responsibility for the premises lies with them and it's in their best interest to know what's going on at their pub.

"This is even more important as there will be a change in the licensing laws in the new year.

"Issues we identify now will be taken into account when considering whether or not to grant a new licence."