A 23-YEAR-OLD man has been forced to pay more than £2,100 after the pub he runs sold alcohol 40 minutes after it was permitted to do so.

Ashley Sagnella of The Three Tuns public house, in Needham Market, pleaded guilty to playing loud music and selling alcohol to customers beyond the time allowed in the premise’s licence.

Police were called to the pub in Hawks Mill Street in August 12, 2012 after a complaint was made about noise coming from the pub in the early hours on a Sunday morning.

Jonathan Reed for Mid Suffolk District Council prosecuting said the pub was still serving drinks and playing music from a jukebox at 12.40am.

For Sagnella, Philippa Dyer said the defendant had been “devastated” and “disappointed” by his actions.

She said: “It’s important to note the early guilty plea was made at the earliest opportunity. This was an isolated incident. Mr Sagnella has run the Three Tuns for about three years. There’s been no previous issues at the establishment and no issues since in the nine months from the incident. He employs three members of staff who speak highly of his business expertise.”

Sagnella was fined £1,000, ordered to pay costs of £1,160 and a £15 victim surcharge.

Chair of Magistrates Mrs Hardingham said: “I hope it’s a sufficient deterrent to any such action happening again.”

The court took no action over the pub’s licence. Sagnella had been due to face a further five similar charges but they were later withdrawn.

A spokesman for Mid Suffolk said the member of the public who made the complaint claimed the pub had been regularly opening late on weekends.

Joanna Hart, senior environmental protection officer for Mid Suffolk and Babergh, said: “Thanks to the actions of the police officers concerned Mr Sagnella has been reprimanded for his actions.” She said it would serve as warning to other licensed premises.