Drinkers enjoying a quiet pint in a high street pub could be breaking the law because of confusion over whether or not the bar has a licence.

Woods Bar in Shenley Road, Borehamwood, apparently lost its licence two weeks ago, following a meeting of Hertsmere Borough Council's licensing sub-committee.

But on Saturday the bar was again operating as normal, with the owner arguing the premises was still allowed to operate.

On June 21, Hertsmere Borough Council rejected an application from holders Luxs Leisure Ltd to transfer the Premises Licence to Paul Hussein.

Hertfordshire Police raised concerns about the transfer and says it would undermine their crime prevention objective.

They added that Mr Hussein was "not a fit person to hold a licence" and put forward a number of reports dating back to 2009 of incidents that occurred at other pubs where he had been employed.

It is believed Lux Leisure Ltd surrendered its licence on May 11 this year.

Despite closing down for two weeks, a spokesperson from Lux Leisure Ltd now claims the licence was signed off using “unlawful” tactics and he believes Woods Bar is still legally allowed to operate.

He said: "Woods Bar is operating with the mind that we have a full licence and the council did not match criteria to say otherwise."

The Borehamwood & Elstree Times is awaiting comment from Hertsmere Borough Council and Hertfordshire Police.