Court overturns council decision to revoke Penny Pizza premises licence but imposes strict new conditions

AN ABERYSTWYTH restaurant has successfully overturned a council decision to revoke its premises licence.

The Olive Branch restaurant, trading as Penny Pizza Ltd from 35 Pier Street, Aberystwyth, won its appeal against a decision by Ceredigion County Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee to revoke its licence in November last year.

The appeal was heard at Aberystwyth Justice Centre on Thursday (May 14), where magistrates ruled in favour of the business and reinstated the premises licence.

Court documents show the company argued that the council’s original decision had been disproportionate, that the circumstances differed from the authority’s policy position and national guidance, and that steps had since been taken to address concerns through new systems and structures.

In allowing the appeal, the court set aside the council’s decision made on November 21, 2025, and ordered that the licence remain in force, subject to a number of additional conditions.

Among the new requirements, Penny Pizza Ltd must ensure right-to-work checks are carried out on all staff before they begin employment, in line with Home Office guidance.

The checks must be conducted by an independent third-party provider, such as a human resources or employment law consultancy, with detailed records kept and made available to licensing, police or immigration officers on request.

The court also ordered the licence holder to provide Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service with evidence within 14 days of fire drills, monthly alarm testing, the removal of bolts from a basement door and an emergency evacuation plan.

Magistrates made no order for costs, meaning each side will bear its own legal expenses.

The restaurant will continue to be permitted to provide late-night refreshment until as late as 4:00am on certain nights under the terms of its reinstated licence.

39-year-old accused of keeping a dog despite court-imposed disqualification order dating back to 2019

A CILGERRAN man has denied breaching a court-imposed ban on keeping animals.

Max Huntley, 39, of Castell Corwg, Cilgerran, appeared before Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 14) for a further case management hearing.

He is accused of breaching a disqualification order imposed under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The court register states that Huntley was disqualified following conviction and sentence at Swansea Crown Court on March 14, 2019, for an offence under section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act.

The allegation now before the court is that, on or about August 10, 2025, at Castell Corwg, Cilgerran, he breached that disqualification by having custody of a dog.

Huntley has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The case was adjourned to allow the prosecution to confirm details relating to the defendant and how a solicitor could contact him.

He was remanded on unconditional bail and must attend the next hearing at Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 27, at 10:00am.

The hearing is listed for further case management and is expected to last around 20 minutes.

Lifeboat station pays tribute to ‘a true man of the community’

FISHGUARD RNLI has paid tribute to former volunteer Roy Williams following his death, describing him as a dedicated lifeboatman and respected figure within the local community.

The station announced the sad news on Friday (May 15), saying Roy had given many years of service to the RNLI in Fishguard, spanning several decades.

Roy served as a crew member and Second Mechanic at Fishguard Lifeboat Station from the 1950s through to the 1970s, helping to protect lives at sea during a period of significant change for the service.

In 1979, he took on the role of Honorary Secretary — a position now known as Lifeboat Operations Manager — and continued in the role beyond the naming ceremony of Fishguard’s current all-weather lifeboat, Blue Peter VII.

A 1972 County Echo feature, preserved by Fishguard and Goodwick local history group Hanes Abergwaun, described Cllr Roy Williams, of Commercial House, Goodwick, as the oldest serving member of the crew at that time, with nearly 20 years’ service.

The article said he was a native of Pencaer, an agricultural engineer by profession, Second Mechanic and radio operator on the lifeboat, and also active with the Wales Tourist Board, Fishguard and Goodwick Swimming Club, and Harmony Chapel, Pencaer.

Paying tribute, Fishguard RNLI said Roy had made an important contribution not only to the lifeboat station but to the wider community.

A spokesperson said: “Over the years as a councillor, lifeboat crew and other local clubs he truly was a man of the community.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this time.”

As a mark of respect, the flag at Fishguard Lifeboat Station is being flown at half mast.

Roy is remembered as one of the dedicated volunteers whose commitment helped shape the RNLI presence in north Pembrokeshire over many years.