Leighton Buzzard's Red Lion to reopen with strict new conditions including CCTV coverage and 'zero tolerance drugs policy'

The Red Lion, North Street, closed after Bedfordshire Police applied for a licence review following alleged “breaches” relating to the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.

At a final review hearing on June 5, Central Bedfordshire Council's Licensing Sub Committee decided to lift the suspension on the pub's premises licence, modifying it and adding new conditions – including CCTV, log books, staff training, and a "zero tolerance drugs policy".

The Red Lion's new Operating Schedule states: "An incident log shall be maintained by the premises that details incidents of note that occur. This shall include, as a minimum, incidents of crime and/or disorder and ejections."

A refusals book is also to be kept, detailing "all refusals to sell alcohol" and shall be given to police and authorised council officers on request.

Meanwhile, a new 'Drugs Policy' section, states: "A zero tolerance drugs policy will be implemented at the premises. Posters will be displayed in the toilets advising customers of this policy."

Referring to security, the document states: "High-Definition CCTV shall be installed, operated and maintained", and "at least one camera will show a close-up of the entrance/entrances to the premises".

The new rules also require the staff to "operate a Challenge 25 Policy", while "customer-focussed bar staff shall receive initial training in relation to age-related sales, sales to intoxicated persons, and age challenge procedures". All staff, supervisors and managers responsible for selling alcohol are required to receive training in "legality and procedure".

A new section on door security has also been introduced.

The pub's previous conditions included: a 30 minute drinking up time; The prevention of crime and disorder - it noted that operators were members of the local pub watch scheme; Public safety - with reference to firefighting equipment and emergency lighting; The prevention of public nuisance - it was noted that the pub retained sound well and that customers should leave quietly; The protection of children from harm - no children were to be allowed except when accompanied in the external drinking area.

Conditions relating to fire fighting equipment; no striptease; no nudity; and all persons to be decently attired, were in place before and remain so.

The new conditions "will replace any existing conditions that were on the premises licence previously," confirmed a council spokeswoman.

Head of Operations for Punch Pubs & Co, Andy Wilkinson, said: “We have been working alongside the authorities to agree on new licensing conditions at The Red Lion pub. We are pleased to confirm that the license review has now been concluded, and we are in the final stages of recruiting a new publican to take the long-term opportunity.

"We aim to reopen and welcome the community of Leighton Buzzard back through the doors in the coming weeks. We look forward to updating the community with more details soon.”

A spokesperson from Bedfordshire Police previously stated: “We received a number of reports relating to drugs and so a warrant was carried out; two people were arrested, and the premises was closed after discussions with the management company. An investigation is currently ongoing.”

The LBO has contacted Bedfordshire Police for an update.