The Punch Bowl at Bentham closed after selling alcohol without a licence

Following an application by Craven District Council, Harrogate Magistrates Court called time on The Punch Bowl Public House, in Eskew Lane, Low Bentham. The premises are now closed until further notice.

The council said the closure order, which is believed to be the first of its kind to a licenced premise in Craven, was granted after alcohol continued to be sold, despite service of a Closure Notice, which warned that no licence for the sale of alcohol was in place at the premises.

Craven District Council was awarded full costs of £2,962.

Speaking after the hearing, Cllr Chris Moorby, chairman of Craven District Council’s Licensing Committee, said: “We are pleased that the court issued the Closure Order and awarded full costs to the Council.

"The Council is grateful for the support of partner agencies, in particular North Yorkshire Police and Trading Standards, who assisted in obtaining evidence. The Council’s Licensing officers always try to engage and advise on matters of non-compliance, but where such guidance is not adhered to and non-compliance continues, the Council will take appropriate action.”

Tim Chadwick, the council’s Licensing Manager, said it was the first pub in Craven to be served with a closure order.

He added: “I hope this serves as a warning that the police and the council will use all the powers at our disposal to make sure licensed premises are a responsible part of the Craven community.”

The people in possession of the pub say that they can still sell takeaways and are running the caravan park, but cannot invite anyone inside for food in the restaurant or drinks at the bar. 

An van was left on the other side of the road next to some kegs

The pub run by Douglas Traynor, 71, and his wife, Shanti, 52, is now shut until further notice.

The couple that ran the pub, Douglas Traynor and his wife Shanti, are now appealing the decision. They are also waiting for a trial to start on October 10 at Harrogate Magistrates Court. 

The couple face trial later this year after denying three separate charges where they are alleged to have carried on unauthorised activity, namely the retail sale of alcohol; exposing for sale alcohol, namely bitter, lager, cider, wine and spirits and keeping alcohol on the premises for unauthorised sale at the Punch Bowl Hotel, Low Bentham, contrary to the Licensing Act 2003.

These charges are dated February 11, 2022. A trial date has been set for October 10 at Harrogate and the couple were granted unconditional bail until that date.

Nobody has sat in The Punch Bowl's beer garden with a pint since July