Publican Charlie Chawke to Alter Ownership Paperwork for Searson's Pub Amidst Son's Jailing

Publican Charlie Chawke plans to alter the ownership paperwork for his prominent Dublin establishment, Searson's of Baggot Street, to preempt potential objections to its upcoming license renewal. The move comes weeks after his son, Bill Chawke, a director of Searson's Inns Limited, was jailed for a violent assault.

The pub's license is due for renewal at the Dublin District Court on September 24, with the current license expiring on September 30. Bill Chawke and his sister Alison were recently sentenced after pleading guilty to assault causing harm during an incident in November 2023. Bill Chawke has been a director of Searson's Inns Limited since August 2012.

While objections to the renewal of established pub licenses are considered unusual, sources indicate that the Chawke family is opting to take no chances. Existing licenses are typically guaranteed renewal, and objections by An Garda Síochána are rare for long-standing venues. However, given the recent court proceedings involving Bill Chawke, Charlie Chawke is reportedly changing the "on-paper" ownership of Searson's until his son's release.

Searson's is the only pub within the Chawke Group that Charlie Chawke leases rather than owns directly. The Chawke Group also includes other venues such as the Bank Bar and Restaurant and the Goat Bar & Grill. Company records show Bill Chawke holds directorships in two other related firms: Pembridge SF Limited and Chawkes Woodfired Pizza Limited.

Objections to a pub's license renewal can be raised on grounds concerning the character or fitness of individuals associated with the premises' operation. A source noted that while guards might object if new owners had criminal convictions, this is unlikely for an established establishment. Nevertheless, Charlie Chawke is reportedly taking precautionary measures to secure the license for one of his profitable pubs.

It is understood that Charlie Chawke's recent prison visit to his jailed children was partly to manage business affairs and ensure the continuity of operations while Bill Chawke is incarcerated.