Hedge End’s Shamblehurst Barn has had its licence suspended for 21 days by a licensing panel at Eastleigh Borough Council. The move is in response to concerns raised by Hampshire Police of anti-social behaviour and the persistent selling of alcohol to under-age youths at the pub. 

Both the pub and the police have 21 days in which to appeal against the decision, during which time the premises may remain open.  

An Eastleigh Borough Council representative commented, ‘Managers from Greene King, the brewery chain which owns the Shamblehurst Barn, who appeared at the hearing, expressed dismay at the recent events and were determined to improve the situation and to reopen as the family food-centred establishment it had once been’. 

The pub failed three police test purchase procedures during the year, with alcohol being sold to 16 year-olds – and on one occasion to a 14 year-old.

There have been incidents of fights at the pub and accidents involving cars in the car-park. There have been thefts, smashed glass has been found in neighbouring properties and numerous instances of anti-social behaviour generally and of customers being a nuisance to the surrounding area.

With anti-social behaviour an issue in Hedge End, Sergeant Georgina White of the Safer Streets team said, ‘This really was the last resort for us to try to make the improvements that we need for the Hedge End community.’

Inspector Bernadette Smith, also of the Safer Streets team, said, ‘The concerns raised at the hearing by the police are largely as a result of the Hedge End community telling us about their problems and experiences. We take community concerns very seriously.’

If there are no appeals, within 21 days the Shamblehurst Barn will close for a period of 21 days. When it reopens newly imposed opening hours will also mean the pub ceasing to sell alcohol at 11.00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 10.30 on Sunday and weekdays.

Since the closure of the Fountain Inn earlier in the year, the Shamblehurst Barn is one of only two pubs in the whole of Hedge End.

What are your thoughts on its temporary closure? Have you been affected by the problems at the pub, particularly if you live nearby?

Will you support a re-focused Shamblehurst Barn concentrating on family entertainment?

Whatever your views, share them with Hedgeendpeople!