Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

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. "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. ...

The manager of Carmarthen’s Lolfa Lounge, Water Street, has been prosecuted for breaching licence conditions. John Paul James attended Carmarthen Magistrates Court on January 9, and pleaded guilty to eight separate offences contrary to Section 136 of the Licensing Act 2003. He was fined a total of £600, and ordered to pay £450 prosecution costs, with a victim surcharge of £50. The court heard that Carmarthenshire County Council had received complaints from local residents regarding noise from the premises. Licensing officers had also been made aware of a number of incidents at the premises which had been dealt with by police. The officers visited the premises on three separate occasions in November 2013, supported by local neighbourhood police officers, and found it was in breach of a number of licence requirements. On the 1st, 2nd and 10th of November, officers found that entertainment was being provided beyond the permitted hour of 1am. On November 1st, officers also witnessed the...

Licensed premises and members clubs across Carmarthenshire are being warned about selling alcohol to under-18s ahead of the A-level and GCSE exam results. Council licensing officers have been speaking to licensees and club representatives in the county to remind them of their responsibilities. In particular, if taking bookings for functions they need to establish whether the event is aimed at young persons so that they can decide whether to accept the booking and have adequate measures in place to prevent the sale to or consumption of alcohol by under-18s. Tackling underage drinking is a key priority for the Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership , which includes the council and the police. A lot of work is underway to educate staff at licensed premises in relation to fake IDs. Test purchasing exercises using child volunteers are also carried out throughout the year. Councillor Tom Theophilus, chairman of the council’s licensing committee, said “The majority of licensees are resp...

Licensing officers and police are gearing up for the festive period by undertaking enforcement visits to licensed premises. Officers are reminding licensees and their staff of their responsibilities with regards to the sale of alcohol and its effects on customers.  Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board’s Business Manager and Member for Public Protection and Youth Services Cllr Pam Palmer said: “We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to join the fun without celebrations getting out of hand.” With the introduction of the new mandatory conditions, we are moving towards a safer drinking attitude, with the removal of irresponsible drinks specials and promotional offers that encourage people to drink more, faster or within restricted times. Free tap water should now be available at licensed premises, and with smaller alcohol measures also being available, licensees can do their bit to ensure that the public have an enjoyable, but memorable night out. Licen...

Carmarthenshire County Council is carrying out a review into whether it needs a policy on the impact of the large number of licensed premises in Llanelli’s Station Road. The Licensing Policy Review into a Cumulative Impact Policy for Station Road runs until December 31. When the council’s policy on the cumulative impact of licensed premises was adopted in January 2010, it was resolved that a further consultation would be undertaken regarding the adoption of a cumulative impact policy in respect of the Station Road area of Llanelli. The current consultation is an opportunity for local residents, businesses, existing licence holders and their representatives to formally comment on the proposal and provide feedback to the authority. The proposed cumulative impact area extends from the railway crossing adjacent to the Llanelli Railway Station along the whole length of Station Road to its junction with John Street. It would include any premises which share a boundary with Station Road. Cumu...