Private members bar pretended Pacino and Redford were members

A private bar which claimed Al Pacino and Robert Redford were regulars has been fined more than £2,000 for selling alcohol to non-members.

Ruby M, in Alexandra Avenue, Rayners Lane, had a signing-in book which included Jaws, the Great White shark from the film of the same name, and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

However, the supposed celebrity regulars were suspiciously absent from the bar when it was discovered customers were able to buy drinks without being questioned.

The owners of the private members' club were found guilty at Harrow Magistrates' Court on February 13 of abusing their licence.

The owners, Umesh and Grisha Jivraj, of Woodbury Avenue, North Harrow, admitted to breaching the Licensing Act 2003 and were ordered to pay £2,500 each in fines and court costs.

Two years ago the couple were warned by the police about selling alcohol, but were caught flouting the rules by Harrow Council officers.

Councillor Susan Hall (Conservative), portfolio holder for environment services, said: "Private members' clubs are granted licences on condition that they only serve proper members.

"Much as I'm sure Robert Redford and Al Pacino would enjoy a visit to Harrow's nightlife, they patently weren't regulars at Ruby M's."

A private members' licence only permits entertainment and the selling of alcohol to bona fide members and their guests.