Ever since that hideous day in the summer of 2009, when The Gander and Metropole were finally closed for good, we’ve kept our mouths reasonably shut regarding the goings on which preceded the closure. Why? Partly because we didn’t want to appear to be simply bad-mouthing individuals at a particularly sensitive time, as to a large extent it was a team effort in trying to make a success of the venue. Secondly, because there were potential legal implications.

We have previously said that we could write a book about the year or so that Dan Prowse was ‘in charge’. There is so much we could say, but news has come to light today, which in many ways brings some closure to the events. His lack of ability to make a success of a busy, well established and well loved venue was criminal. Very criminal. The only shock in reading this news today is that there were only 22 breaches of the premises licence he was found guilty of. This may sound bitter or perhaps unnecessary, but after spending months reading about how Wetherspoons has destroyed The Gander, or about the blame being laid at anyone’s door other than the one who was mainly responsible, the truth is (partly) out.

Thanks to Dan Renton at Dorset Rock Online for being eagle-eyed (Twitter – it’s the future) and passing on the information.

Here’s the press release, taken from the Bournemouth Borough Council website:

The manager of the Metropole in Bournemouth narrowly avoided going to prison after magistrates heard that he had operated the business in a highly unsafe way which posed a serious risk to the public.

The case was brought by Bournemouth Council when it was discovered that the business was illegally trading after their electricity was cut off. For power and lighting they were using electrical generators in a dangerous manner with some electrical equipment in contact with water in a partially flooded area. The premises was immediately closed and evacuated on the day that Council offices made their inspection in order to prevent an injury or fatality.

The case went to Bournemouth Magistrates on 25 February 2010 following a multi-agency inspection of the premises last August. The manager of the Metropole in Holdenhurst Road, Daniel Prowse was sentenced for 22 breaches of the premises licence. The offences included: insufficient ventilation, failure to provide an electrical test certificate, the toilets not kept in good order or repair, no emergency lighting and the fire warning system was not working.

Mr Prowse pleaded guilty and received the following sentence:

Six-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months
12 months supervision – 200 hours of community service
£800 costs

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Member for Communities said: “I am pleased to see that the courts have taken strong action in this case. It is clear from the number and type of breaches to the licence that members of the public visiting the club were being put in danger and we cannot allow for this to happen.”

He added: “I would like to praise the work of the Council’s Licensing Officers, the police and officers in the fire service who have worked together to protect the public. We will continue to monitor licensed premises in the town to ensure the safety of visitors and local residents.”