PUB WITH NO CHEER: CROWN BAR SHUT AS IT LICENCE LAPSED

The Crown Bar in Belfast has shut its doors to the public after failing to renew its liquor licence

The Crown Bar in Belfast has shut its doors to the public after failing to renew its liquor licence

BELFAST’S best known bar has shut its doors after its tenants failed to renew its liquor licence.

The Crown Bar – which once featured in the 1947 movie Odd Man Out starring James Mason – is a popular tourist attraction in the heart of the city’s Golden Mile.

But it can’t open to the public following an administrative error by its Birmingham-based tenants Mitchells and Butlers allowed its licence to sell alcohol on the premises to lapse.

The pub, situated in Great Victoria Street opposite the Europa Hotel, is owned by the National Trust who bought the bar from Bass Ireland over 12 years ago.

In a statement, the National Trust said: “All statutory obligations, including the renewal of licences, rest with the tenant.

“We are very concerned to learn about this oversight and we encourage the tenant to seek a speedy resolution.”

However, it is unclear when the pub will be re-opened again to the public.

Pubs of Ulster chief executive Colin O’Neill said it was a disappointing situation.

“This is not an ideal situation as it is one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic and important pubs.

“They have decided to close the doors until this is resolved.

“However, we are confident this important asset will be back in operation once the matter is resolved.”

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