Drinking up time

jeffo489

I was in a pub. last orders where called.

I left 1/2 pint unattented while going to the loo. My hat and gloves where left beside the pint, meaning it was clearly belinging to me.

I returned to find all of my items confiscated. The pub returned my hat and gloves but confistated me lager which amounted to 1/2 pint.

When questioned the bar staff claimed that they were LEGALLY entitled to confiscate the alcohol 30 minutes after closing time.

Is the pub LEGALLY allowed to confiscate my drink after last orders? Or LEGALLY do they have to offer a refund or permit me to finish my drink and leave?

Im not looking to make an issue of this...but a mate works at the pub and made the above statement. I would like to "prove him wrong".

Anyone know the legal answer?

thanks.

pcombo

you knew the pub was closing why didn't you drink the pint faster then go to the toilet.

jizzler

or better still find a pub that does not close or is not so strict on closeing hours. Other than that like jock said above :rotfl:

jeffo489

Before you answer...consider...when does the ownership of alcohol legally change hands? is it when I BUY it (and hand over the cash) or when I DRINK it?

If it is when I PAY for it, then the pub has technically broken the law and stolen the pint in which case they must offer a refund for the disposed of portion of the drink.

If a contract of sale is created when i pay for the drink then this should be the case.

Unless of course under licensing laws the pub is obliged to ensure that no alcohol is consumed on site beyond x minutes after last orders then they may have been entitled to confiscate the alcohol without further notice.

I would love to know the absolute rights and responsibilities in this case.

jeffo489

pcombo wrote: »

you knew the pub was closing why didn't you drink the pint faster then go to the toilet.

you are right...but what I am asking is the LEGAL answer. WHO OWNS ALCOHOL WHICH HAS BEEN PAID FOR.

jeffo489

jizzler wrote: »

or better still find a pub that does not close or is not so strict on closeing hours. Other than that like jock said above :rotfl:

You are also right. please see the previous response.

pcombo

jeffo489 wrote: »

Before you answer...consider...when does the ownership of alcohol legally change hands? is it when I BUY it (and hand over the cash) or when I DRINK it?

If it is when I PAY for it, then the pub has technically broken the law and stolen the pint in which case they must offer a refund for the disposed of portion of the drink.

If a contract of sale is created when i pay for the drink then this should be the case.

Unless of course under licensing laws the pub is obliged to ensure that no alcohol is consumed on site beyond x minutes after last orders then they may have been entitled to confiscate the alcohol without further notice.

I would love to know the absolute rights and responsibilities in this case.

Normaly the pubs here last orders is 15 mins before close where you can buy drinks, Then time reaches the bouncer walks about and shouts "time to go home"

Only way a pub will take your pint if there is no one at the table and if its an empty glass.

wealdroam

It strikes me OP, that you had abandoned the drink... and your hat and gloves.

Did you thank the management for looking after your hat and gloves for you?

jeffo489

wealdroam wrote: »

It strikes me OP, that you had abandoned the drink... and your hat and gloves.

Did you thank the management for looking after your hat and gloves for you?

You (might) be right. the items were left unattended for about 2-3 minutes while I attended the call of nature. does that constitute abandonment?

jeffo489

pcombo wrote: »

Normaly the pubs here last orders is 15 mins before close where you can buy drinks, Then time reaches the bouncer walks about and shouts "time to go home"

Only way a pub will take your pint if there is no one at the table and if its an empty glass.

I agree.

and the bar staff did request that people leave. however I deposited my items on the bar (leant my hat and gloves against the glass which the bar staff where aware of) went to the toilet and when i returned within 2-3 minutes the items had been removed.

all I need to know, from someone who knows is who is in the right. did they have the righht to dispose of the drink, or should they have requested I drink up and leave. Assuming they disposed of the drink must they then refund me for the portion of the drink which was unconsumed?

Flyboy152

When I used to work in pubs (quite a few years ago now), last orders (first bell) were ten minutes before closing time (last bell) and then customers had ten minutes drinking up time. After that time it was the licensee's responsibility to ensure no alcoholic drinks were consumed on the premises.