Harrogate pub Coach & Horses could reopen under new landlord after lockdown breaches

The Coach and Horses, on West Park, had its licence revoked in July after setting up tables and chairs for crowds of up to 45 customers buying takeaway drinks when lockdown restrictions were much tighter.

The borough council's licensing committee said the landlord John Nelson had made a "serious failure" and showed a "blatant disregard" for the rules at the time.

Samantha Nelson, the daughter of Mr Nelson, has now applied to take over the pub which has been in the family for over 30 years.

Her application will be heard on October 29 - and more than 450 people have signed a petition calling on the council to grant the licence.

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At the time of the lockdown breaches in May, over 40 people complained to the council after spotting drinkers gathering outside the pub.

Police and council staff visited the pub several times and Mr Nelson, 64, told them he would only remove the outdoor furniture if he was served a prohibition notice. One was handed to him on May 31.

Councillors also heard how council staff had faced verbal abuse from drinkers, with one customer following officers back to their cars.

Bar stools, beer barrels and chairs were set up outside the pub across four days on the Bank Holiday weekend, with CCTV footage showing the furniture was still used after the prohibition notice was served.

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A lawyer for Mr Nelson previously said he accepted that he made a "chronic error of judgement".

He added the pub had been serving takeaway beer as part of a fundraiser for a local charity, Horticap, and selling flowers and drinks.

The charity has distanced itself from the pub's actions and refused to accept the £3,000 that was raised.

A spokesman for Harrogate Borough Council said: "The new licence application for the Coach and Horses will be heard at the licensing subcommittee scheduled for Thursday 29 October.

"This will be conducted remotely and will be available on our YouTube channel."

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter