News
Restaurant licence for Chequers

MEMBERS of the Licensing Sub Committee have approved an application for a new licence for the former nightclub known as Chequers.
The applicant, Nicola Berry, is in the process of moving to Penally and hopes to turn the premises into a tea room and restaurant.
Members from Penally Community Council also attended the meeting on Thursday February 25, to raise their concerns about the project.
Applicant Nicola Berry said: “I’m looking to open a family friendly tea room/ restaurant in the former nightclub known as Chequers. The sale of alcohol will finish at 11pm. We have no intention of increasing that time limit. I am in the process of moving to Penally so I will be in the vicinity and this makes it more personal for me. I will be there every day.”
Carol Clemson, Vice-chair of Penally Community Council said: “The community of Penally are understandably concerned about the granting of this licence. Police at a previous meeting have said that there would be no chance of another licence for this premises. This new application asks for a licence to 11pm and if it is granted we at Penally Community Council would pray that this should not be extended. This building has not been used for some time and is derelict and we would hope that all refurbishments meet the required standard. The road (A4139) includes a nearby bridge and a roundabout and any increase in traffic will be an added danger. There is no street light and customers leaving the site are likely to use the Penally Village road. Past experience shows that this created enormous disturbance and disruption to the village. The application also proposes a children’s play area and we would expect this to be supervised by qualified people and for it to meet the required standards.”
Cllr Reg Owen asked if Nicola Berry had any previous experience of running a club and she responded saying that she used to run an indoor playgroup on the Isle of Wight.
Nicola Berry added that the car park and walkway would be extended with lighting being added.
After deliberating on whether or not to grant the licence Cllr Wynne Evans said: “Based on the evidence before the committee, we grant the application as it has been made.”
Crime
Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation
Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests
DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.
The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.
Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.
Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.
A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.
The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.
Crime
Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls
A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.
Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.
The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.
Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.
The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.
Finance
Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end
TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.
The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.
Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.
With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.
The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.
Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.
Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”
Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.
Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)
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Ed
September 1, 2015 at 11:40 am
It’s good to see this place retained as a venue and I hope it can become a welcome hub of music with its moderate licence. Architecturally it’s one of the best venues in West Wales and as such I’m glad it’s now open again to some degree. Anyone interested in the reasons for it’s closure as a nightclub in 1997 should read the book Dafydd & Goliath by Dafydd Gittins, the former co-licensee of the club. What is fact is that there was actually so little evidence of the so-called “Dark Days” at the club that his convictions with regard to the club and the alleged incidents there were entirely overturned by appeal judges who described the authorities as having “at best exaggerated and at worst lied” in order to close the club and prosecute him. One has to wonder why other individuals over the years have met such opposition in using the building since the ruling by appeal judges, given the isolated location of the building, when plenty of pubs within Tenby town itself play music late into the night.