Three-month alcohol ban for Clayton Lodge Hotel

Staffordshire-based Clayton Lodge Hotel has been sanctioned with a ban on selling alcohol or putting on entertainment events for three months.

It has had its premises licence temporarily suspended and Newcastle council has called for the removal of its premises supervisor.

The sanction comes after a number of complaints from the police, firefighters, council officers, customers and guests regarding the hotel’s operation.

In April, the hotel was under investigation following claims of child sexual exploitation, crime, underage drinking and drug taking at the property. The incidences spanned over 10 months and the borough council, Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue service put the report together.

The council has now prohibited all-inclusive party nights, including “irresponsible” drinks promotions. The hotel is to be staffed at all times and there is an imposed ban on gaming machines.

Its staff will also receive training on child sexual exploitation and the name, age and address of every hotel guest must be recorded.

Councillor Gary White said: “The ban on selling alcohol for three months is the longest we could give. That gives them time to sort themselves out as soon as possible. The council, the police, and the fire service will be watching them closely and this is the last chance saloon for them.

“They have a good reputation with the rotary club and rival the Moat House Hotel for Christmas bookings and this is a chance for them to prove to everybody that they have changed everything.

“It is unfortunate if there are any functions in those three months but this is a chance for the hotel to clean up its act.”

A Clayton Lodge spokesman said: “The premises licence has been suspended for three months to give the hotel time to implement new policies to move the hotel forward.

“We are working hard to put all the changes in place and the management of the hotel has been completely changed.”