THE owners of a pub say they feel "bullied" after being ticked off by the police and Croydon Council for holding what they say was no more than an after hours meeting to arrange a charity event.

Hung and Bambie Tham, who run The Jolly Sailor on South Norwood High Street, were visited by police and council officers after the pub closed on Saturday night.

The couple, who live on the premises, were making last-minute arrangements with volunteers for a fundraiser in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust which was held on Sunday.

They claim the pub's till was switched off and the lights were out and therefore believe they were breaking licensing rules.

During a routine patrol at around 1.20am, the police and a licensing officer visited the pub and came across the group.

Mr Tham says the officers threatened to close the pub down and told the couple they were not allowed to use it for meetings – even though they live on the site.

"I feel like we're being bullied," he said. "We're a safe pub that serves the community but we were treated like criminals."

A council spokesman said: "During routine compliance visits by the police and council several people were found to be inside the pub drinking. The premises should have closed at 12.30am. The owners were spoken to and enquiries continue."