Solihull pub faces licence review after dangerous gas found

The Flying Elephant pub in Solihull faces a licence review after inspectors found dangerous gas equipment in use during an immigration raid.

Solihull pub faces licence review after dangerous equipment used during immigration raid

A Solihull pub faces a licence review after safety concerns were raised about the use of dangerous gas equipment during an immigration raid on Hermitage Road. A May gas safety inspection identified defects in gas equipment and the landlord who arranged the inspection told tenants not to use the gear, though concerns persisted that safety rules were not followed. A second engineer later assessed the cost of remedial work and found the appliances back in use, with four gas warnings and two immediate danger notices issued.

Immigration officers conducted an unannounced visit on May 22 and two men employed as the manager and a waiter were arrested. An on site kitchen inspection showed the plate warmer/sizzler, two tandoori ovens, a nine ring burner, and a low single burner in use, with danger safety warning stickers still affixed to the equipment. After repairs were completed, the appliances were brought back into use on May 30. The council will decide at a meeting on August 14 whether to take action against the licence, which could range from new conditions to revocation.

The incident highlights the challenge of enforcing safety rules in busy hospitality venues. Ignoring warning notices puts staff and customers at risk and can undermine public trust in licensing regimes. It also raises questions about how quickly enforcement actions are taken when safety notices are involved and about the coordination between health inspectors and immigration authorities on site. The forthcoming licensing panel decision will test the balance between protecting public safety and supporting small businesses in a tight local economy.

Looking ahead, the case may prompt tighter checks on gas equipment, more rigorous staff training, and clear lines of responsibility for maintaining compliance on busy premises. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the borough and influence how venues prepare for unannounced inspections while operating under pressure.

Highlights

Safety standards are the baseline for every licensed venue