Pub couple hit back at police over late licence application

Tony and Sandra Humble have applied to Hambleton District Council to extend the drinking hours of the Black Lion, in Thirsk.

They want to serve alcohol between 10am and 2am each day, and between 10am and 5am on New Year's Eve.

Mr and Mrs Humble have also applied for permission extend the hours of their entertainment licence to host live music, indoor sports events and strippers until 2am.

North Yorkshire Police have objected to the application, saying they recorded 17 crimes either within or immediately outside the premises in the past year.

Sergeant Matthew France, of Hambleton Community Safety Department, has also voiced concerns about the possibility that children could be on the premises while strippers are performing.

He said: "The police would like to make a representation that adequate safeguards are put in place to protect children from harm caused by any forms of adult entertainment at the premises."

But Mrs Humble said safeguards are already in place.

"No children are allowed in the pub after 8pm, and the strippers will not even arrive here until between 8.30pm, and 9pm, with the first strip at 9.30pm," she said.

Mr Humble added: "It is entertainment. All pubs are doing something to make money, and we have got to do something else that is different to bring the business in."

In reference to the 17 crimes listed by police, Mrs Humble said: "Three were thefts of bags. If you put your bag down in a shop and came back 20 minutes later, it will probably be gone.

"Another is someone who urinated against the wall of a neighbouring property after leaving the pub. What are we supposed to do? Ask them if they need the loo before they go home?"

Mr and Mrs Humble have also applied to extend the hours at their other premises, the Blacksmiths Arms, in Thirsk. Police have raised no objection to that proposal.

Hambleton District Council's licensing and environmental protection committee will hear the application on Friday