A PUB in Westhoughton could be forced to stop trading after having a lock-in during a national lockdown last year.

Police officers attended the Waggon & Horses on Chorley Road on November 23, 2020 following reports of a Covid breach.

Due to the high levels of coronavirus across the UK at the time, the Government had ordered that certain venues must close or restrict how they provide services.

According to Greater Manchester Police, three males were drinking inside the premises, one of whom tried to hide in the pub's bathroom to avoid an altercation.

As a consequence, the premises licence is now up for review - meaning that it could potentially be revoked, or have restrictions placed on it surrounding operating hours and alcohol sales

The licensing papers read: "On November 23 officers from Greater Manchester Police attended at the premises in response of reports to them that people were inside drinking.

"On their arrival officers initially looked through the window of the premises and observed three males inside.

"The front entrance to the premises was locked. One of the males was later confirmed as being Mr Michael McNamara. The other two males were seen to be seated at a table with alcoholic drinks in front of them.

"The officers observed one of the males sneaking off towards the rear of the premises. The officers gained entry to the premises where they were greeted by Mr McNamara.

"He claimed that there had only been one person in the premises and that he had left. It was claimed by Mr McNamara that this male had been pointing for him.

"The officers searched the premises and found one of the males hiding in a toilet. When questioned by the officers he admitted serving the two males alcohol that was consumed on the premises but had not charged them for the drinks. The officers were wearing body worn CCTV at the time and captured the incident."

The grounds for the application for review are that it is believed the premises has 'seriously undermined' two of the licensing objectives - public safety and prevention of crime and disorder.

Premises license holder Michael McNamara declined to comment.