Montpelier Inn to open under new name after stabbing outside

The Montpelier Inn has been ordered to shut for three months following the incident in Montpelier Place, Brighton, on 4 November - the final night before the last lockdown. 

Earlier this week, police told a council meeting that while they were investigating, large bulk quantities of class A drugs were found on the premises.

Barrister for Sussex Police, Peter Savill, told a virtual council licensing panel that “deal bags” were found in the drip trays under the beer pumps.

He said “deal lists,” scales and other drugs paraphernalia were also discovered. 

The scene in Montpelier Place, Brighton, after an alleged street brawl where a 40-year-old man was stabbed

The police had initially asked the council to review the pub’s licence with a view to revoking it.

However, a compromise was reached following a change of management and the pub will be allowed to open again under a new name.

During a five-hour meeting, the council "seriously considered revocation of the licence".

READ MORE: Pub linked to lockdown stabbing 'was dealing drugs' - police tell council

Handing down it's decision, the licencing panel said: “The premises have been associated with the most serious crime and disorder, culminating in the events of 4 November.

“There has been a complete failure of management and local residents have experienced serious public nuisance and crime and disorder emanating from the premises.

“However, the panel must consider the significant change in circumstances which has occurred since the application for the summary review was brought.

“The new licence holders are not connected with the previous management and have put forward proposals which largely meet the requirements of the police.”

Police investigations into the violent scenes continue

The council previously heard from neighbours who wanted the pub closed for good and turned into flats following the violent scenes just before lockdown.

A man suffered life-threatening injuries following a mass brawl and was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, in Brighton.

Sussex Police said that he remained in hospital with serious injuries and that six people had since been arrested as investigations continued.

The former licence holder, a local company called Rock and Roller Coaster, no longer had the lease and the company had been dissolved.

While the live-in landlord, Mohamed Ashur, known as Ash, has lost his day-to-day responsibility for running the pub.

READ MORE: Man in serious condition after late-night street fight involving 20 people

The new freeholder Ei - formerly known as Enterprise Inns and now part of the Stonegate Pub Company - will be required to hold the premises licence for at least 12 months.

If Stonegate reopen the pub, it should have a new name and new management, the panel said.

Should it reopen, the pub will be allowed to serve drinks until 11pm with 30 minutes to drink up.

Customers will be not allowed to drink and smoke outside the back of the pub, up to five people will be allowed to smoke outside the front but only until 9.30pm.

The conditions, imposed by Brighton and Hove City Council, also include a requirement for the pub to hold meetings with neighbours at least once every three months.

The investigation continues into the stabbing last month

The pub will also have to appoint a new DPS but only once Sussex Police had approved the individual.

Stonegate agreed to a number of new conditions including an end to live music performances at the venue.

The pub will be expected to employ security staff – with at least one wearing a bodycam – on Friday and Saturday nights and any other evening when necessary.

The pub will also be expected to fit a sound limiter and to soundproof the basement after complaints from neighbours who said that they could “hear everything”.

As well as earlier closing times, the pub will not be allowed to stay open for extended hours on bank holidays and for special events.

READ MORE: Two teens released under investigation as police probe street stabbing

Green councillor Alex Phillips, who represents Regency ward, which includes Montpelier Place, said: “Thanks to the police for bringing this review forward and to councillors and residents for taking part in the hearing.

“Obviously I’m disappointed, given the severity of this case and the long-term nature of the problems emanating from this pub, that the licence wasn’t revoked.

“I am, however, pleased with most of the conditions that the panel have imposed but I will be speaking to residents about whether or not to appeal the decision.”