Boston pub owner’s repeated failings spark objection by police to license bid

The force said Muhammad Ikram Qutab has shown “complete disregard for the licensing objectives” following a series of reviews and applications associated with the Great Northern and Red Cow pubs since 2012.

Mr Qutab has applied to Boston Borough Council to vary his licence for the Great Northern to make him the designated premises supervisor (DPS).

A police statement said Mr Qutab has failed to engage with the police despite five previous review hearings and objections by the force.

“Mr Qutab has repeatedly refused to take any responsibility for the issues highlighted over the many hearings and consistently blames authorities for his failings,” said the statement.

Previous reviews resulted in his licenses being revoked, bans on live and recorded music and other conditions.

In 2014, Mr Qutab was twice given police cautions for allowing unauthorised licensable activity and in December of that year ignored a licensing committee’s decision to refuse multiple temporary event notices by serving alcohol.

“Knowing the many hearings […] regarding the great concerns around Mr Qutab, he has not approached [council or police] to ask for advice on how to proceed,” said Lincolnshire Police.

“It would be remiss to not highlight his proven history of failing the licensing objectives.”

Mr Qutab has owned the pubs as director of two companies since 2005 – AC Properties (Boston) and Drinks & Dine Ltd.

In 2016, Mr Qutab was fined £15,000 and ordered to pay back costs of £1,014.82 after he admitted 30 offences relating to the two pubs being used as HMOs.