People think a pub in Kimberley which was forced to close due to Covid breaches should be given another chance. The Queens Head had its licence revoked in November 2020 but has now applied for a new one.
Owner Ms Huang has applied for a licence to sell alcohol, host indoor sporting events, and play live and recorded music. The application was discussed at a Broxtowe Borough Council licensing meeting on Tuesday, June 7, and a decision will be made within the next week.
Despite all the previous issues with the pub - including anti-social behaviour - people in Kimberley want to see the pub get its licence back as long as it’s managed properly to help the ‘community thrive.’
Read More: Reverend tried to 'police the police' as officers were called to Christian bookshop
Molly Green moved to Kimberley four years ago and told Nottinghamshire Live that they should be given a chance to get it back up and running again. The 58-year-old said: “It’s quite a big pub in a good location in a vibrant community. It does seem to be a place where they have trouble. I’d be happy to see it reopen - I would never say it shouldn’t open.
“Give them a chance to get it to how it used to be years ago. It would be nice to see - I wouldn’t be against it as long as there's no trouble. I’m all for giving people a chance, it will be interesting to see what happens.”
In supporting statements from applicant Ms Huang, it is hoped the venue will be able to open and supply alcohol from 10am until midnight Monday to Wednesday, 10am until 1am Thursday, 10am until 2.30am Friday and Saturday and 10am until midnight on Sundays. However, the meeting discussed whether it could close earlier than 2.30am.
Harry Chohan, 50, who runs a takeaway business in Eastwood, thinks it should be open for the community to use. Mr Chohan said: “I've never been in but it closed and opened many times. I can't judge it because I haven’t been in, it might be good for all I know. If they broke the rules I think they’ve served their punishment. They need it to serve the community. The community needs places to thrive.”
Margret, who is 72, from Awsworth, spoke of the trouble the pub had and how good it used to be a long time ago. She said: “Years ago it used to be good, you could have a party upstairs - I'm going back years now.
“They have young ones going in and fighting. It is lovely inside and they did it up lovely. It was a shame when it closed. You just can’t mix the young ones and old ones - it’s a shame. I would probably go in if they opened it again. I would definitely go see what it’s like. Live music that’s what you need to attract people in. “
Another resident who used to go to the pub regularly said: “I used to like it. I used to do karaoke and they used to bring Chinese food. They used to get blamed for a lot of trouble due to them being open late. It never used to get busy. A lot of people will say no [to the licence] because of the trouble. It’s a shame to see it closed.”
To read all the biggest and best stories first sign up to read our newsletters here.
