A Manchester pub could have its alcohol licence stripped following serious allegations of sexual activity in its beer garden and violent confrontations between customers.
The Pig on the Wall in Droylsden, Tameside faces a licensing review hearing on Monday, August 11, where Tameside Council’s panel will determine whether to modify, suspend or withdraw the venue’s licence.
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A Manchester pub could have its alcohol licence stripped following serious allegations of sexual activity in its beer garden and violent confrontations between customers
Council licensing officers and Greater Manchester Police will present evidence at the hearing alongside the pub’s management team.
A local resident, Deborah Richardson, documented multiple disturbances between June 10 and 15, prompting the licence review request.
She reported that on June 11, an “extremely loud and disruptive” group dominated the beer garden throughout the evening, with noise continuing until approximately 22.30.
“Around 11.00pm, a male and female from the same group returned to the beer garden and had a loud, aggressive argument, which escalated further.
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“Disturbingly, the same couple were then seen engaging in sexual activity in the beer garden,” Richardson stated in her complaint letter.
The previous evening, she witnessed two men brawling at the pub’s front entrance after drinking in the outdoor area.
When council licensing officers Loni Davies and James Horton inspected the premises on June 20, they discovered several regulatory breaches.
The venue’s incident log was unavailable for examination, while CCTV recordings were retained for only 12 days rather than the mandatory 28-day period, with cameras providing substandard image quality.
Council records indicate the authority has logged ten noise-related complaints from neighbours regarding The Pig on the Wall since July 2021.
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The review follows complaints from local residents about ‘disturbing’ incidents at the establishment during June, including reports of a couple engaging in sexual acts outdoors and physical altercations between patrons
PC Craig Foley from Greater Manchester Police has additionally expressed concerns about suspected illegal tobacco trading at the establishment, allegedly occurring on April 24, 2025.
Dean Booth, director of The Pig on the Wall, defended the venue’s community role in written correspondence addressing the allegations.
“We believe that a public house should be more than just a commercial entity; it should be a cornerstone of the community it serves. At The Pig on the Wall, we have embedded this principle into our operational ethos,” Booth wrote.
Star Pubs, the pub’s operator, announced immediate action following a Tuesday meeting with council officials, residents and police representatives.
A company spokesperson confirmed they are installing enhanced CCTV equipment and implementing measures to minimise noise and potential disruptions.
The licensing panel possesses authority to alter, suspend or completely revoke the establishment’s alcohol licence.