A PUB in Low Bentham has been forced to close its doors after selling alcohol without a licence.

The Punch Bowl became the first pub in the district to be served with a closure notice after being taken to Harrogate Magistrates Court by Craven District Council.

The closure order, which is also believed to be the first of its kind to a licensed premise in Craven, was granted after alcohol continued to be sold, despite service of a closure notice, which warned that no licence for the sale of alcohol was in place at the premises. The pub, in Eskrew Lane, run by Douglas Traynor, 71, and his wife, Shanti, 52, is now shut until further notice.

Following Thursday's all day hearing at the Harrogate court, the council was awarded full costs of £2,962.

Speaking afterwards, Councillor Chris Moorby, chairman of the council's licensing committee, said: “We are pleased that the court issued the closure order and awarded full costs to the council.

"The council is grateful for the support of partner agencies, in particular North Yorkshire Police and Trading Standards, who assisted in obtaining evidence.

"The council’s licensing officers always try to engage and advise on matters of non-compliance, but where such guidance is not adhered to and non-compliance continues, the council will take appropriate action.”

Tim Chadwick, the council’s licensing manager, said it was the first pub in Craven to be served with a closure order.

He added: “I hope this serves as a warning that the police and the council will use all the powers at our disposal to make sure licensed premises are a responsible part of the Craven community.”