COUNCILLORS who tore up the alcohol licence of Cheers bar and its boss Ian Ellis say they were left with no alternative.

Ellis sparked outrage when he snubbed government advice to close and continued trading as the coronavirus outbreak took hold in Inverclyde.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said at the time that such actions had put lives at risk.

Members of the Licensing Board recently agreed unanimously to terminate the licence for the West Stewart Street premises.

They said: “The board were appalled at the behaviour and conduct of the owner and clientele who attended these premises on the days in question.

“There were flagrant examples of public health breaches and contraventions of licensing objectives.

“The owner had previously received a warning regarding the future operational model of the premises and had chosen to ignore this.

“Additionally he had chosen to ignore the guidance from government on the dangers of spreading the virus.

“There were clear breaches of order both in and directly outside the premises which the board considered were in violation of public safety."