Barnsley Council prosecutes unlicensed premises

AS part of its commitment to public protection in Barnsley, the council’s Regulatory Services department made its first successful prosecution under the Licensing Act 2003, against a licensee who failed to adequately licence his premises.

On Thursday, 1 May Mr Conrad Baranyai appeared before Barnsley Magistrates Court charged with one offence under section 136 of the Licensing Act 2003. The offence related to providing unregulated entertainment at the Moulders Arms Public House, Summer Street, Barnsley.

Acting on complaints from the public relating to live music events held at the premises, officers from the Regulatory Services licensing section visited the Moulders Arms and advised Mr Baranyai that he needed to license his premises to cover musical events.

Despite numerous visits from Enforcement Officers advising him of his responsibilities under the Act, Mr. Baranyai failed to ensure his premises were licensed and continued to hold live music events. He pleaded guilty to the offence and was fined a total of £1,000 and ordered to pay costs of £300.

Following Mr Baranyai’s sentencing, Cllr Charles Wraith, Chairman of the Statutory Licensing Board, said the prosecution sent out a strong message that the council’s licensing enforcement officers would continue to work towards ensuring public safety and that they would not hesitate to take action where people fail to act on advice that is given and fail to comply with the appropriate legislation.

“The court has sent out a strong message to people who think they are above the law,” he said. “Our enforcement officers will continue to track down those who try to get away with unlicensed and unregulated activities.”

Regulatory Services incorporates environmental health, trading standards, licensing and bereavement services and plays an important role in protecting the people and businesses of Barnsley and visitors to the borough.

ENDS

Issued by press office, 01226 773375, email: pressoffice@barnsley.gov.uk