An Ibstock pub landlord has been hit with a prohibition notice - after drinkers were discovered hiding in the cellar!

The pub's landlord has breached Coronavirus regulations eight times since the end of March reports North West Leicestershire District Council

The landlord of The Boot Inn in Gladstone Street was also issued with a Fixed Penalty notice by officers from Leicestershire Police after three drinkers were found hiding in the cellar on one visit.

The revellers did not escape punishment either, with fines handed out to each of them too.

Concerns raised to the District Council by members of the public and local intelligence collected by police officers combined to show regular activity at the premises in recent weeks.

Police officers made numerous visits to the property issuing warnings on several occasions after finding evidence of regulation breaches.

As a result, the council served the prohibition order under Regulation 8 (2) of Coronavirus regulations introduced by Government in light of the pandemic - and it is thought to be the first time an order of this type has been used in Leicestershire.

A breach of the prohibition order would be a criminal offence and the district council could choose to issue further fixed penalty fines and consider prosecution and/or review the pub's licence.

In March, Coalville Nub News reported on a Hugglescote pub that was raided by police the day after the nation's pubs were closed down by the Government as the coronavirus pandemic took hold Police Raid Hugglescote Pub After Landlord Defies Ban

It has been reported that the landlord is to leave The Boot following the ruling.

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at NWLDC, said: "We hoped not to need to use a coronavirus prohibition notice but this landlord was demonstrating a continued disregard for the health and wellbeing of residents, and indeed of our NHS.

"This issue has been dealt with firmly and fairly in light of the sheer number of breaches and it sends out a strong message to others that it won't be tolerated.

"This is an isolated case and I want to thank all the other landlords, and indeed all types of business owners in North West Leicestershire, that we know are following the Government's guidance and regulations.

"Your efforts are saving lives and protecting the NHS. We know what a challenging time this is for our businesses and we're here to support you should you need us."

Sergeant Ryan Ludlam, NPA Deputy Commander for North West Leicestershire, said: "While we continue to encourage, explain and educate in relation to following the Government guidelines, if required we will also carry out enforcement action.

"Unfortunately this was a case which did require enforcement.

"Officers carried out a number of visits to the Boot Inn following concerns being raised which led to fixed penalty notices being issued. However, when guidelines were still not followed, this led to us then approaching the council and the prohibition order being issued.

"The majority of people are following the Government guidelines and staying home to stay safe. We thank you for doing this – you are saving lives. Please continue to work with us in this way and we will continue to work with you, to be there to help you and to take action when it is needed as this case has shown."

To date the council has issued just over £15 million of Government business grants to 1,277 firms in the district so far with more being paid daily.

Any business owner that believes they are eligible for grant and hasn't heard from the council is encouraged to apply at NW Leics Business Support