A SEDGLEY social club which faced losing its booze licence after reportedly breaking lockdown rules has been told it can continue trading.  

Sedgley Conservative Club was due to face a councillors’ panel this week to answer claims it allowed drinking on the premises in May.

But Dudley Council has said the licensing committee will not go-ahead after the club accepted a police condition it installs CCTV cameras.

The club’s reprieve came after the council issued a stern warning at the beginning of the lockdown that any licensed businesses found breaching the rules could be closed permanently.

At the time, Cllr Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “We will not think twice about acting against those premises who think the rules don’t apply to them. This is a final warning to them all.”

“Any premises found to be in breach in Dudley borough will not only face legal action but also the revocation of their alcohol licence, meaning that the business will be closed permanently.”

In a brief statement Cllr Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member responsible for licensing, said: “The police have withdrawn their request to the council asking for a review of Sedgley Conservative Club’s licence.

“The club has agreed to a new condition to their licence as requested by the police.

"This is the installation of CCTV to monitor activity within the premises.”

The police asked the Conservative-run council to review the licence after allegedly finding drinkers on the premises in May. 

At the time, a police spokesman said: “Due to a suspected breach of coronavirus restrictions and licensing objectives, the matter has been referred to Dudley Council’s Licensing Committee to review.” 

Sedgley Conservative club declined to comment.