A MILFORD HAVEN pub, described as one of the worst in the Dyfed-Powys force area, has had new licensing conditions imposed following a review at Pembrokeshire County Council.

Last week the committee heard evidence from the Licensing Officer Nigel Hayes who said: “The Alma Hotel has a history of long and persistent abuse of the licensing laws.”

In a report read to the stunned committee Sgt James said: “Lives could be lost if the situation remains unchanged”.

In a report published by the council this week it says: “The problems at the pub are as a result of poor management. Designated Premises Supervisor (Debbie Haughey) will be removed; and modifications of the conditions of the licence have been issued.

The premises will now be opening from 11am and will close at 11.30pm; everyone under 25 will be asked for ID under the challenge 25 policy; the DPS is to participate in any Pubwatch or similar appropriate schemes; a notice advising that anti-social, drunken and quarrelsome behaviour will result in persons being banned from the premises for no less than six months will be displayed; and a bound incidents and issues book to be retained at the premises and available to officers upon request.

The Licensing Committee said in their report: “In making this decision, we are satisfied that the licensing objectives are appropriately promoted, and that the interests of the wider community are addressed; and that its decision is an appropriate and proportionate response”.

Alma landlady Debbie Haughey, who is now out of a job, told The Herald: “I am very disappointed at the committee’s decision as I feel that the police had no real concrete evidence for removing me as the landlady.”

Debbie Haughey continued: “What I find very disturbing is that someone can lose their business and their home based on hearsay and suspicion.

Perhaps this process needs to be looked into so this cannot happen to someone else in the future.”

Ms. Haughey continued: “I would like to thank the licensing authority for taking on board my policies and practices; however I am disappointed to see that on serious issues people will not be banned for life as this policy is currently in place. On my departure I would really like to see the Pubwatch or “BOB” scheme reintroduced in Milford Haven. This was something I was keen to have resurrected so perhaps the police can be more proactive in reinstating this scheme as I feel this would go some way to reducing the level of anti-social behaviour. Furthermore they may wish to consider making the town centre a dispersal zone as I recommended last summer.

Ms. Haughey concluded: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff, customers and friends of the Alma for all their support and believing in me as they cannot quite believe the decision that has been made based upon the fact that there was no real evidence. Secondly I would like to thank SA Brains for their support as they have been a fantastic company to work for. Also I would like to thank my children for their support as despite the fact they have been fearful about being made homeless they have been very brave in dealing with the current situation.”

“Finally I would like to take this opportunity to wish the new tenants of the Alma all the best and wish them every success for the future”.