A pub shut down for underage alcohol sales has appealed the order and is still serving.

The Angel in Angel Hill, Sutton, was ordered to close for three months after selling alcohol to underage drinkers, complaints about loud music and criminal activity, including violence, criminal damage and suspected drug sales.

But the pub appealed Sutton Council’s decision to suspend its licence and can remain open while it awaits a hearing at Sutton Magistrates’ Court.

Sutton Council’s licensing committee suspended its licence after hearing evidence from residents and the police.

The council’s environmental health team served a noise abatement order on the pub in July 2009, after loud music and karaoke sparked a number of complaints from residents.

Less than two weeks later the licensee was fined for breaching the order.

Committee members heard how during test-buying operations in October and December pub staff sold alcohol to underage police cadets.

The committee also imposed new conditions on the pub, reducing the opening hours and ordering windows and doors to be closed when music is played.

The hearing was held after an application by the police to review the licence.

A Sutton Council spokesman said: “The Angel has appealed against the decision to suspend its licence for three months.

“That appeal will be heard by Sutton magistrates and we are waiting for the court to set a date for the hearing.

“Regulations allow it to continue trading until the appeal.”