Kevin O’Donoghue, premises manager of the Commercial Hotel in Newtyle, escaped unpunished after having his neighbours in the bar for a drink during lockdown.
The incident happened on March 28 – five days after Boris Johnson announced full lockdown.
Police said they attended to find him in the bar area with another man and woman but Mr O’Donoghue told the board they were there to discuss refurbishment work on the hotel.
He was reported to Angus Council’s licensing board, who acknowledged he had gone against guidance but voted five to four against taking action.
