Counsel held a Zoom meeting with the pub manager to review an alleged incident in which two claimants claim they were denied service at the pub on 12 February 2024. The manager stated he had no recollection of any such event and confirmed that he works every Monday, including the date in question. He had checked the incident diary and wall calendar, both of which showed no record of any confrontation or refusal. The manager expressed concern about being targeted, noting that he would remember any significant disagreement, especially as he typically works alone on Mondays and logs all incidents.
The only possible interaction he recalled was a visit by two or three individuals approximately two weeks after a prior incident in November. On that occasion, they asked a staff member whether they could be served, referencing a previous refusal. The staff member responded that they had answered their own question, and the individuals left without issue. No argument or escalation occurred.
The manager confirmed that no other staff were present on the date in question and reiterated that any incident would have been logged and remembered. Counsel noted that the claimants had posted a video clip, which has since expired, and will request further details. The manager agreed to review the clip once received to assist in preparing the defence.
Counsel advised that the next step is to obtain and review the video evidence. If the footage supports the manager’s account, it will form the basis of the defence. Counsel also discussed the broader pattern of similar claims affecting other pubs in the area and proposed seeking court orders to formally ban individuals from entering the premises. The manager agreed to contact other pubs to see if the claimants’ names are recognised and to share counsel’s contact details for coordinated action.
The next steps involve Counsel requesting the expired video clip from the claimants and coordinating with the manager to review its contents. Following this, the manager will contact other pubs in the area to gather relevant intelligence and provide a report. Should the situation warrant it, formal legal action will be pursued to protect the premises from any further harassment.
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