Drinkers hide on pub roof and in wardrobes as police raid illegal lockdown session

Action came after landlord had already been given prohibition notice for pulling pints at another pub he ran

Drinkers hid on a pub roof and in cupboards after police raided a Sheffield boozer suspected of illegally opening during the coronavirus lockdown.

Customers at the city’s Pitsmoor Hotel attempted to disappear as officers forced their way into the bar at the height of Covid-19 restrictions.

It came just days after landlord Paul Greasby had already been issued with a prohibition notice for illegally serving at another pub, the Staffordshire Arms, which he also ran.

Among customers found during the two raids were people described as “highly intoxicated” and one couple who had brought along a new born baby.

Footage showed police opening wardrobe doors to discover two women hiding behind clothes in there. “Out you come,” an officer can be heard saying.

Now, Mr Greasby has been banned from running both boozers following a meeting of Sheffield City Council’s licensing committee on Tuesday.

In its application to have the action taken, South Yorkshire Police said the landlord had shown a “persistent and deliberate disregard for the regulations, public health and licensing objectives".

They added: “Customers were unlikely to have a reasonable excuse for being in the pub, putting them in breach [of lockdown].”

Officers acted in late April after several tip-offs from neighbours that people were emerging from both establishments appearing drunk, the force added.

Bill Masini, trading standards officer at the council, said: "Considering the seriousness of breaches and the overall interests of the local community, trading standards recommends the premises licence be revoked."

Greg Fell, director for public health, also gave evidence, saying: "Covid-19 is a current critical threat to public safety. This is well publicised and I cannot believe how anyone could have any other interpretation.

"The council is clear in its position, we are following the national strategy on the response to covid-19, furthermore the council has been clear that protecting public safety is of paramount concern.

“In this instance, these licensed premises should have been aware of the restrictions on opening through the representations made by officers and should have been made aware of the packages of support available to businesses and employees who may suffer hardship during this period.

"There is no justification in terms of lack of awareness or financial hardship for these breaches."

Mr Greasby denied serving at the pubs and said the people there were simply his – or his son’s – friends who had come for a drink in the private quarters.