Future of Portsmouth pub in jeopardy after damning police report

THE future of a Portsmouth pub with ties to the Royal Navy is in jeopardy after a damning police report revealed it's become a hotbed of violent crime.
The Royal StandardThe Royal Standard
The Royal Standard

The most serious case of trouble at The Royal Standard – formerly affectionately known as Ruby’s – came when a drunken brawl involving seven people left a woman with ‘life-changing’ injuries.

In another incident at the Edinburgh Road venue, which was run by the same family for 52 years until their departure in 2013, a customer accused a police officer called to the premises of ‘sexually assaulting his sister’.

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Hampshire Constabulary is to make a case to licensing officials for its licence to be immediately suspended at a meeting on Wednesday.

But regulars and veterans have pleaded for the pub to be protected.

In a public report over the incidents, which all happened after 2013, Superintendent Will Schofield, Portsmouth District Commander, said: ‘The chief officer of police has serious concerns about the ability of Sekip Esen Rende (the designated premises supervisor) to manage the premises in a way which fully supports the licensing objectives.

‘Over a period of two years, Mr Rende has repeatedly ignored the concerns of the Chief Officer of Police relating to ways he can prevent crime and disorder.

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‘Namely the latest incident, which has resulted in one person receiving a broken nose, another has multiple fractures to the face, a broken jaw as well as a fractured skull.

‘Another female also has received a fractured collar bone as a result of the incident. These injuries are life-changing and demonstrate the seriousness of the disorder at the premises.’

Yet Bob Mullen, chairman of the Type 42 Association, said: ‘Ever since Mr Rende has been there, he has endeavoured to bring the Royal Standard back to its former glory, as it was when long-standing landlady Ruby Hardwick had the licence, and the pub was a home for naval memorabilia from the Royal Navy and navies around the world.

‘There is always a warm welcome for anyone entering the bar. Everyone is treated politely by Mr Rende and his bar staff.’