Over Alleged Out-of-Hours Drinking
The Star in the Marsh pub, the only watering hole in St Mary in the Marsh, has had its licence revoked following a decision by Folkestone and Hythe District Council’s licensing committee. The decision, made after an hour-long meeting, follows multiple complaints and police concerns over prolonged drinking hours that allegedly put public safety at risk.
The licence hearing revealed a troubling series of events, with police records documenting occasions of suspected out-of-hours drinking and alleged non-compliance with licensing terms. Alistair Pringle, a representative from Kent Police, presented evidence indicating that management had failed to maintain order in line with licensing restrictions. According to Mr Pringle, breaches of the pub’s operational conditions included failing to provide CCTV footage when requested, which had hampered police investigations on two occasions.
Mr Pringle cited one incident when police were called to the Star in the Marsh shortly before 3:00 a.m., far beyond the permitted closing time. He noted that officers had received reports on two separate occasions suggesting the pub remained open until 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. This persistent breach of the pub’s licensed hours – which are limited to 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and midday to 10:00 p.m. on Sundays – raised red flags for authorities concerned about public order and safety.
The problems reportedly intensified during a second incident in August when evidence emerged that the inn had again operated into the early hours. Police alleged that there had been a reluctance from pub management to assist with inquiries after this particular call-out, exacerbating concerns over compliance and management’s commitment to responsible operations.
Police representatives highlighted that support had been offered to the pub’s management to address these issues, including assistance with upgrading the CCTV system, but no significant efforts were reportedly made to engage with authorities or make use of these resources. Consequently, Kent Police requested a formal review of the pub’s licence, leading to the council’s decision to strip the pub of its licence.
In defence, a representative for Katie Duffy, the pub’s licence holder, acknowledged that errors had been made but assured the committee that corrective steps had been taken to address the issues raised by the authorities. The representative informed the council that a new Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) had been appointed in September, a person with substantial industry experience intended to bring in stricter management practices.
“A new CCTV system has been installed to cover all areas accessible to the public, aiming to increase security and maintain accountability,” the representative explained. “Mistakes were made, but they have been addressed, and Ms Duffy remains committed to operating in full compliance with the law and in cooperation with authorities to avoid any further issues.”
Despite these assurances, the council ultimately upheld the decision to revoke the licence. Following the meeting, PC Alistair Pringle reiterated the importance of responsible pub management: “Running a licensed premises comes with serious responsibilities. It’s vital for pub operators to ensure customer safety and prevent any behaviour that might disturb nearby residents. We will always strive to work with pubs and bars to support them in maintaining safe and compliant practices.”
He continued, “However, if we believe that licence holders are not fulfilling their responsibilities or are unwilling to engage with authorities, we will not hesitate to take action as we have in this case. This decision serves as a reminder for other establishments to uphold safety standards and adhere to licensing regulations.”
The pub remains open for now, pending any appeal or transition to new management, with Ms Duffy’s representative indicating that they are reviewing further steps to address the council’s concerns. For the village, however, the loss of the Star in the Marsh’s licence could mark a significant change, potentially depriving the community of its cherished local pub should the revocation be upheld.
The council’s decision has not gone down well with many locals, who have voiced their discontent. On social media, several residents expressed their support for Ms Duffy, describing the council’s actions as unjust. One local resident posted on Facebook, “The pub is a lovely place to go and relax. Katie is a fantastic landlady, and the atmosphere is always friendly. It’s hard enough to run a pub these days as it is, and I think she should be allowed to carry on.” The sentiment reflects the community’s appreciation for the pub as a social hub, with many believing that the challenges of running a rural pub deserve greater understanding and support.
The Looker has contacted the former licence holder for a comment but have not yet received a response.