A PUBLICAN accused of flouting an order to close her bar has denied the offence.

Jacqueline Barclay, who used to run the Red Lion in Commercial Road, Totton, pictured, entered a not guilty plea when she appeared at New Forest Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Barclay, 45, of Testbourne Close, Totton, is accused of opening the pub in contravention of a closure order that had been served by police.

The case was adjourned until January 24 for a trial expected to last at least two days. Barclay was given unconditional bail.

The offence is alleged to have occurred on July 25. The pub was subsequently closed for good by Enterprise Inns and was later destroyed by fire.