A PUB in Widnes has been closed down indefinitely by police following ‘persistent unacceptable behaviour’ and Covid regulation breaches.

Over recent months, Cheshire Police and Halton’s licensing team have received numerous complaints regarding The Beehive Inn on Halebank Road.

There have been multiple reports of disorder, underage drinking, Covid breaches and drug related activity at the premises.

The most recent incident took place on Sunday, May 30, when police attending the premises discovered drugs paraphernalia, along with a sledgehammer and a machete.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

There were also clear Covid breaches and the licensee, who was supposed to be in control of the premises, was himself intoxicated.

As a result of all the criminality and obvious licence and Covid breaches, an urgent application was submitted by the Widnes Beat Police Team to have licensee removed as the designated premises supervisor.

Following review of the application, and in collaboration with owners of the premises Red Oak Taverns, the licensee was served with a section 51 notice and formally removed as the supervisor yesterday, Tuesday.

As a result, the premises has now closed indefinitely and will only reopen once a new designated premises supervisor has been identified.

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Chief inspector Becky Stokes, head of Widnes Local Policing Unit, said: “I welcome the closure of these premises, which demonstrate our commitment in making Cheshire a hostile place for criminals.

“I hope that this result provides reassurance to the local community and serves as a warning to those who have a significant detrimental impact on the quality of life of local residents through illegal and anti-social behaviour.

“The behaviour of both the licensee and the people visiting the premises has been totally unacceptable, and I have no doubt that the closure will make a real difference to the local community.

“This has been a fantastic team effort, and I would like to thank all of the officers involved in the closure, along with the brewery and local community for all the support that they have provided.”