Trowbridge pub The Black Pearl will remain closed for the foreseeable future, after Wiltshire Council’s Western Area Licensing Sub-committee refused an application for a premises licence.

The pub, in Church Street, has been closed for a month after Martin Hinds’ application to become licensee was rejected.

Mr Hinds intended to take over from business partner Tammy Newbury.

The authorities said that Miss Newbury was unable to continue being licensee because she was made bankrupt last year.

Jacqui Gallimore, Wiltshire Police’s licensing officer, requested that the sub-committee refuse the new application from Mr Hinds during a meeting today due to concerns regarding the ability of the applicant and management to “fully control the premises”.

Chairman Trevor Carbin said: “The sub-committee felt that the applicant demonstrated insufficient evidence of how he would address the licensing objectives, in particular the prevention of crime and disorder.

“Whilst acknowledging that this is a new application, the sub-committee felt that given the applicant’s involvement with the previous management of the premises he would have been aware of the issues and made efforts to show what steps he would take to address them.

“The sub-committee were in agreement with the police’s grave concerns regarding the fitness and suitability of the applicant to promote the licensing objectives, the lack of regard for conditions specifically designed to reduce disorder, violence and injuries demonstrates a disregard for the Licensing Act 2003.”

Mr Hinds can appeal to the magistrates’ court within 21 days of receipt of the decision.

Cllr Carbin said: “In reaching its decision the sub-committee has considered the relevant provisions of the Licensing Act 2003 (in particular Sections 4 and 18); the guidance issued under Section 182 of the Act and the Licensing Policy of Wiltshire Council.

“The sub-committee have also considered the written evidence presented in the agenda and the supporting evidence provided by the applicant and the police, together with the oral evidence given at the hearing.”