A LEDBURY landlord has said coronavirus rules were not broken in his pub despite Herefordshire Council launching a licensing investigation.

West Mercia Police officers went to the Brewery Inn in Bye Street and saw "potential cases" of people not complying with coronavirus rules.

But landlord Keith Swingler has hit out, saying there were no problems at his pub which he has run for 18 months and blamed people he'd barred for reporting him to the authorities.

He said: "I've barred a lot of people, I've done a whole family and other people. I've even barred women fighting causing hassle as well.

"What's happened is someone's being vindictive against the pub, and we're being reported for everything. We've had fire, hygiene, everything, dustmen out there saying we're putting dead animals in bins."

Mr Swingler, who lives in Ledbury and also runs The Blue Bell in Callow End, said he had spoken to Herefordshire Council's licensing department and wasn't aware of an ongoing investigation.

Since taking over the pub, he says he has cracked down on drugs being used in the pub and complies with all guidelines, including coronavirus public health measures.

"Unfortunately someone's targetting the pub because I've barred over 60 people," he said.

"We're not putting up with bad language, fighting, anyone who looks or tries to do drugs, we're just being strict on this, but unfortunately people are not liking it and causing us grief.

"I've had numerous inspectors there after people have said this and that, but nothing comes of it because it's not true."

Herefordshire Council said it was on Boxing Day when police officers visited the pub and "witnessed potential cases of people not complying with Tier 2 restrictions".

The spokesperson added: "The information was then referred to Herefordshire council to investigate but the county subsequently entered Tier 3 on January 31, 2020 and pubs had to close.

"An investigation is currently ongoing.”

Under the Tier 2 rules, alcohol could only be served with a substantial meal in pubs and restaurants, and people could only visit with members of their household and support bubble.

People were also discouraged from visiting Tier 2 Herefordshire if they were from higher Tier areas.

Mr Swingler said: "If someone comes in, shows you ID and says they're from Ledbury, what are you supposed to do?

"You can only ask someone's proof of what they show you.

He said the pub was his front room so did "not want to encourage any bad behaviour or wrongdoing".

"We've followed everything to the guidelines," he said.

West Mercia Police has been approached for comment.