The owners, the designated premises supervisor (DPS), the police and the environmental health department at Herefordshire Council, have reached an agreement regarding the future of the Horse and Jockey Public House in New Street, Ross-on-Wye.

Following a number of complaints over recent years, regarding noise and anti-social behaviour, the environmental health department called for a review of the licence.

This was based partly on evidence provided to, and by the police. A spokesperson for the police said that 49 incidents of noise and nuisance had been recorded since 2015.

The environmental health department launched a licensing review at the beginning of August, which was supported by several residents of New Street. At the hearing on Monday, September 25th, an agreement was negotiated and it was agreed that the current DPS can remain in place, but there are several restrictions placed on the licensee. The hours are reduced from Sunday to Thursday, the pub has to close at 11pm and on Friday and Saturday at midnight. There is to be no entry after 11pm on weekends except on New Year’s Eve when the pub can close at 12.15am. There must be no amplified music, a drum and bass music night had resulted in complaints to the environmental health department.

Harm Reduction Co-ordinator, Jim Mooney, said that no-one wants to see the pub close, especially as it is listed as a community asset which would make it very difficult to put the building to any other use.

He added that the owners, New River Retail and the DPS, Michael Hudson, had plenty of opportunities to put things right before a licence review took place, and there had been many attempts by the police and environmental health to help the pub live alongside its neighbours in a residential terraced street.

He said that the matter is now closed and hopes that the business continues and adheres to the conditions.