Llandeilo Brewer makes complaint to Ombudsman
International award winning brewer Evan-Evans has made a formal complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman about the conduct of one of the town councillors in Llandeilo.
The complaint involves the conduct of Councillor Julia Jones, who lives in Ammanford.
Simon Buckley, for Evan-Evans, said:
"Being a town councillor is a thankless job, but those that seek public office have to abide by the rules of public office.
"Evan-Evans, in November, applied for an extension of hours at its award-winning pub in Llandeilo the White Horse.
Simon Buckley, for Evan-Evans, said:
"Being a town councillor is a thankless job, but those that seek public office have to abide by the rules of public office.
"Evan-Evans, in November, applied for an extension of hours at its award-winning pub in Llandeilo the White Horse.
"Councillor Jones, instead of declaring a vested interest as she owns a property next door to the pub, sought through her office as town councillor to influence the council by taking part in the debate, and seconding the vote recommending opposition to the licensing application.
"It is quite clear that Councillor Jones had a vested interest in objecting to the license, despite the police and licensing authorities offering no objection.
"One has to ask why the Clerk to the Council did not exercise his advice and guidance to Councillor Jones, knowing full well she had a conflict of interest.
"The matter is now being investigated by the Ombudsman, and at some time in the next 12 months they will respond, then the matter returns to the council should disciplinary action be required.
"The extension of hours was granted by the Council licensing committee.
"The simple facts are this was an abuse and had Councillor Jones any moral fibre she would fall on her sword and resign."
"It is quite clear that Councillor Jones had a vested interest in objecting to the license, despite the police and licensing authorities offering no objection.
"One has to ask why the Clerk to the Council did not exercise his advice and guidance to Councillor Jones, knowing full well she had a conflict of interest.
"The matter is now being investigated by the Ombudsman, and at some time in the next 12 months they will respond, then the matter returns to the council should disciplinary action be required.
"The extension of hours was granted by the Council licensing committee.
"The simple facts are this was an abuse and had Councillor Jones any moral fibre she would fall on her sword and resign."
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