A former publican has been fined by Chesterfield magistrates for failing to disclose a criminal conviction relating to drugs.
Businessman Robert Agar, who has mainly worked in the soft drinks industry, used to be licensee of Egstow Club in Clay Cross.
He received a suspended jail sentence at Derby Crown Court in January for allowing premises to be used for the production of cannabis.
Helen Griffiths, prosecuting, said: “He should have disclosed the conviction to the relevant licensing authorities but he didn’t do that.
“He hasn’t follow the regulations.”
Magistrates heard that the offence came to light when he applied for a licence to sell cooking wine at an oriental food shop owned by his wife.
Agar, 51, of Southwood Chase, Calow Lane, Calow, admitted that, as a personal licence holder, he failed to inform the licensing authority - NE Derbyshire Council - of a conviction on June 25.
Presiding magistrate David Summers fined him £281, with £35 costs, saying the fate of Agar’s licence would be left in the hands of the licensing authority.
Phil Bloore, for Agar, said: “There is an obligation on the licensee to notify the licensing authority of a conviction.
“He accepts he must have received a letter setting out this obligation.
“With all the worry about the proceedings at the crown court and the possible custodial sentence, it never occurred to him to let the licensing authority know.
“Derbyshire police knew what was going on and he thought that was sufficient.”
Mr Bloore said police informed the licensing authority of the conviction when Agar applied for the licence to sell cooking wine.
“He still has a personal licence and, as I understand it, the licensing authority are taking procedures.
“They may take the view that forfeiture of the licence is appropriate.
“He is no longer applying for a licence for the cooking wine,” said Mr Bloore, adding that Agar had been self-employed for 32 years.
Comments