A PUB has been granted a new licence to sell alcohol after letting its previous one lapse.

The Olive Grove, on Half Moon Lane, Spennymoor, is being investigated over allegations it continued to sell alcohol after its proprietor Stephen Metcalfe was informed its licence had lapsed.

However, a Durham County Council committee agreed to grant a new licence for the premises.

The Olive Grove’s licence lapsed in August 2015 but the council only became aware of it in June, following a routine check.

Licensing enforcement officers told the committee that Mr Metcalfe had been informed on June 23 but had continued to sell alcohol that week, despite a temporary licence only being valid from July 1.

The meeting was shown two CCTV clips of alcohol being served and officer Nicola Anderson said Mr Metcalfe had shown “scant regard” for licensing provisions .

Mr Metcalfe said he had misunderstood a conversation with the licensing team.

He said: “If I’ve misunderstood and made a mistake I’ll put my hands up. Unfortunately it’s cost me in the long run and I do apologise”

He added: “I’ve never been in trouble with the law before and I’ve never called the police or had any trouble with crime and disorder.”

He said the loss of licence had cost him £16,000 and had meant he had to make a member of staff redundant.

He added that he had never held a premises licence himself but had booked a training course to understand the requirements.

Granting the licence, councillor Colin Carr said: “It wasn’t an easy one to make a decision on but we have decided to grant a licence.

“We expect training to be undertaken by yourself.”