A sports bar in Minehead has been given approval for a new premises licence despite allegations that its owner harassed police officers.
The Banckers Draught, operated by Robert Hamblin, is located at the former Royal British Legion building on Bancks Street. The venue promotes itself on social media as “Minehead’s go-to darts pub” and broadcasts various sporting events.
In May, Mr Hamblin applied to vary the existing licence to extend alcohol sales until 2am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with a midnight closing time on other days. This application followed lengthy discussions with Avon and Somerset Constabulary, who had issued Mr Hamblin a cease and desist notice in February, instructing him to cease contact with a member of their licensing team.
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Despite the police’s objections and concerns, Somerset Council approved the licence variation after a public hearing held at the council offices in Taunton.
Mr Hamblin, alongside co-licensee Amy Hobbs, had requested changes to the existing licence to better align with local events, explaining during the licensing sub-committee meeting on 4 September via Microsoft Teams: “We are more focused on opening earlier to coincide with the local ‘adult weekender’ at Butlin’s, which is more important than extending closing hours. We accept the police’s recommendation of midnight closing on weekends, with 2am closing on Thursday to Saturday. We are happy to comply with suggested conditions on live music.”
Since January, the police have logged more than 20 complaints relating to the venue. Reported issues include patrons causing disturbances by shouting in the street, three separate incidents of public urination-including one where an individual’s motorcycle was targeted-multiple complaints about loud music with doors left open, and an allegation that a staff member trespassed and took photographs of a neighbouring resident’s belongings.
Mr Hamblin acknowledged some complaints but highlighted that they were chiefly made by former neighbours who no longer reside near the venue. He urged the committee to consider the context and relevance of these complaints, stating, “Some problems, like the urination, occurred while we were closed and are not continuing now that we have new neighbours.”
Police Sergeant Lauren Whitby emphasised that while her team did not oppose reasonable extensions of operating hours, Mr Hamblin had “not engaged” with the police prior to submitting his application and failed to demonstrate that the proposed extension would not increase risk to the public. She noted: “The application requests significantly later hours without proposing meaningful additional control measures. The venue sits immediately next to residential properties, and concerns about customer behaviour and nuisance have been well documented, supported by video evidence.”
Ms Whitby also revealed that Mr Hamblin had repeatedly obstructed police efforts to inspect the premises, including denying entry to the designated licensing officer. This behaviour led to the issuance of a cease and desist letter and, subsequently, Mr Hamblin’s arrest. This, she warned, undermined police ability to monitor and manage any issues if extended hours were granted.
Additionally, the police alleged that Mr Hamblin had arranged for a 17-year-old to try to purchase alcohol at a separate venue, a claim Mr Hamblin denied, suggesting the banning order was imposed by a staff member who felt victimised.
After confidential deliberation, the licensing sub-committee voted to approve the licence extension. Councillor Simon Carswell, chairing the meeting, stated, “Following careful consideration, we have granted the variation. We expect close monitoring by the licence holder and responsible authorities and encourage improved cooperation among all parties.”
Responding publicly, Mr Hamblin expressed satisfaction with the decision via the business’s official Facebook page: “New times are coming! After many unfounded challenges, we have demonstrated our capability to operate until 2am. We will soon serve alcohol from 9am to midnight Sunday through Wednesday, and 9am to 2am Thursday to Saturday. Many thanks to the council for recognising the reality.”