A local nightclub has had its licence revoked following a hearing by Pembrokeshire County Council's licensing sub-committee. The decision follows a call from Dyfed Powys Police for a review of the premises licence. At the hearing in respect of Jammos Nightclub, Penally, which took place on Tuesday at County Hall, Haverfordwest, Tenby's police chief, Inspector Les Clark, was on hand to present evidence as to why the police authorities had raised concerns over the running of the club, listing a number of examples of incidents that had taken place at the premises, with the most serious involving underage drinking. However, the club's licensee, Mr. Michael Haines, who was present at the start of the hearing, asked the committee for an adjournment, as he had experienced a number of problems in finding a solicitor in time to represent him. The licensing sub-committee felt, however, that the hearing should take place in the best interests of all parties present. As a result, Mr. Haines left the chamber, instructing them to deal with the matter in his absence, as he felt he wouldn't receive a fair hearing without proper representation. On presenting his report, Insp Clark listed a record of offences that had taken place at Jammos, including examples of - assaults, anti-social behaviour, drug possession, alcohol related offences, with children as young as 14 being listed in the recorded incidents. The police authority believed that the way the premises was being operated encouraged the attendance of infants and the consumption of alcohol inside and outside the club. "It is evident that the failings by the management at Jammos Nightclub to protect young people, as I've exhibited in my evidence, represent more than a one-off failure," remarked Insp Clark. "It won't come as a surprise to Mr. Haines that he has underage people on his property; he has been visited on a number of occasions and warned about this factor, but has replied that it is the only age group he can attract these days. "If he wants to run a youth club then fine, but he can't have a licence there," continued Insp Clark, who also criticised Mr. Haines for posting an invitation on his 'Bebo' web page on the internet - a site for youngsters - advertising private parties at Jammos which he referred to as his 'home'. Representatives from Arriva Trains Wales were also present at the hearing to give evidence, along with Inspector Steve Delamore, of the British Transport Police, as train services from Pembroke Dock to Penally had experienced problems on Saturday nights, with sometimes up to 60 or 70 youths travelling to the area to attend the nightclub, and causing anti-social disturbances on the train, at the station and also throughout the village upon entering and leaving Jammos. "Many of the residents of Penally are constantly approaching me either about damage to their property or noise disturbance at the weekend. This coincides with the arrival of the 9.30 pm train from Pembroke Dock when hoards of youngsters emerge from the train, many having drunk too much, causing disturbance and damage through the village," explained Penally Community Clr. Mrs. Carol Cavill. "There are often disturbances and instances of damage in the early hours when they leave the nightclub. Several residents who happen to be walking through the village at the time of arrival of the train have told me that they feel intimidated and wait until these youngsters have passed," she added. On making their decision, the licensing sub- committee stated that they were satisfied that based on the evidence the police had presented that no additional conditions could be imposed on the nightclub's licence and that the only step they could take was to revoke it. • The owners have 21 days to appeal to the magistrates court following receipt of notification of the decision, but are still able to trade during that period.
