A PUB is to reopen after losing its licence last year. 

Molly Malone's in West Street, Brighton, will reopen on Monday, nine months after councillors voted to remove its alcohol licence in August, 2021. 

In a statement on Facebook the Irish pub, which is run by Indigo Pub Company, said: “You heard correctly. Your favourite Irish pub is reopening on Monday, May 30. 

“We are as excited as you are."

Sussex Police asked Brighton and Hove City Council to review the licence for Molly Malone's after a violent incident involving a 16-year-old on July 6 last year.

The council licensing panel held a review in secret after Sussex Police barrister Peter Savill said that elements of the criminal proceedings were still active.

The teenager – whose identity is protected by law – was charged after the incident and at Brighton Magistrates' Court admitted carrying out a violent attack.

The licensing panel’s decision said management failures and “rogue” door staff were partly to blame for the teenager being on the premises.

It said Sussex Police had listed a number of incidents at Molly Malone's since July 2020 which in themselves would not have led to a request for a review.

But the seriousness of events on July 6 “illustrated failures and longer-term issues at the premises”.

The incidents listed included drunkenness and violence, including an allegation of a sexual assault, and an inability to control customers’ behaviour.

A council spokesman said: “We revoked the licence of Molly Malone’s last year because of serious concerns we and the police had about a number of issues.

"These included the way the pub was being managed, under-age sales and safeguarding issues. 

“The landlord appealed to the magistrates’ court, and this led to several months of negotiations between the pub, the council and the police. 

“Earlier this month all three parties agreed a way forward that was acceptable to all parties.  

“The agreement contains a series of new conditions and measures to be put in place by the premises. These include: 

  • The premises must now become a dedicated live music/cabaret venue 
  • There must be comprehensive training and safeguarding policies and use of an ID scanner and enhanced door staff provision 
  • There must now be a last entry time.

“The premises have been closed for more than ten months.

"This agreement will enable it to reopen with an amended licence and operate in a safe and responsible way.”

The pub announced earlier this month that it was looking for new bartenders.

The opening night will feature live music and the pub will be open until 4am, with last entries at 2.30am.

The pub said: “That means no one will be let in past that point, so make sure to queue up early enough if you want to make it.

“Unfortunately you won’t be let in even if you were queueing up before that.

“We can’t wait to see you."