A PUB in Bolton is facing a licensing review amid claims staff breached coronavirus restrictions.

Bosses at the Unity Brook in Kearsley are said to have continued to serve beer and food during lockdown on November 6.

Licensing chiefs say officers wearing body cameras saw patrons were drinking and that the pub was carrying on business as normal.

Officers spoke to the manager and made sure they were aware of the restrictions that had been imposed, according to a review notice.

Councillors have been told a fixed penalty notice was issued on November 17, which has been followed by a licensing review application.

The notice adds: "Allowing people to drink on the premises in breach of the Government restrictions falls short of what is expected from a licensee in promoting the licensing objectives.

“These actions put the welfare of staff, customers, attending police, council officers, and the wider members of the public in danger of contracting a potentially fatal illness.

“I consider the behaviour and actions of the management at the Unity Brook Inn to have been totally irresponsible especially during the period of ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions that the UK had been placed under.

"There is a clear risk to public health during a global pandemic.

"These premises showed a blatant disregard for the legislation.

"Given the premises ignored the legislation previously I question whether they will follow the new requirements even with clear instructions and guidance provided, therefore potentially putting recovery at risk.”

Cllr Paul Heslop, who represents Kearsley ward on Bolton Council, said: "I’m saddened by this.

"The Unity Brook Inn does great stuff in the community, so it’s hugely disappointing.

"But, I readily acknowledge the local authorities must do their job.

"It’s sad to see this happen because the staff at the Unity Brook Inn are pillars of the community.”

Trust Inns, which runs the Unity Brook, was approached by The Bolton News last night but refused to comment on the application.

Representations can be made regarding the licensing review until July 14 and a hearing will take place on a date still to be fixed.