The Stag Inn, Lake, which is run by Isle of Wight councillor Gerry White. Picture by Peter Boam.
A LICENCE review for a pub run by an Isle of Wight councillor was postponed today (Monday) over concerns about the need for a fair hearing.
The Stag Inn on Sandown Road, Lake, was to have its licence reviewed after a number of incidents involving the police and complaints from neighbours.
But the hearing was adjourned after a legal representative for Cllr Jerry White, the pub’s designated premises supervisor, raised concerns about the licensing panel members’ interests.
Cllr White’s barrister Jerome Wilcox said that as all the councillors on the panel knew Cllr White and during the declarations of interests some referred to him as a friend, and others made it clear he was far from it, it was unlikely the hearing would be fair.
After a break in the proceedings, the councillors' legal advisor told the meeting that the councillors believed they did not have a conflict of interests and could proceed in a fair manner, but saw that someone watching proceedings might doubt that they could.
The hearing was postponed and will be dealt with by councillors from another nearby council on a date yet to be fixed.
Reporter: sarab@iwcpmail.co.uk