A POOLE nightspot has lost its licence after 54 incidents of ‘serious crime and disorder’ took place at the premises in the last eight months.

The On The Roxx Bar & Kitchen was forced to close last month after police applied to the Borough of Poole (BOP) Licensing Authority for a review of its licence.

At a meeting on Thursday the sub-licensing committee revoked the licence completely - which means the premises at 89 High Street will remain closed.

The committee heard from officers of Dorset Police that 54 incidents of crime and disorder had taken place at the bar since it opened in July last year.

These included two incidents of serious crime which took place in January and February of this year.

One incident included an allegation of sexual assault made against a male customer who had been kicked out of the bar for exposing himself.

Then three weeks later a male customer received a double fracture to his left jawbone, a fracture to his nose and fractures around his eye socket after he was punched unconscious while visiting the premises.

Members of the press and public were ejected from the meeting while police read witness statements from the two incidents and showed the committee CCTV footage as it was believed not to be in the public interest for them to be there.

During the eight month period the bar was open police were also made aware of seven incidents of actual bodily harm, five common assaults, one affray, one arrest for drugs, 21 incidents of anti-social behaviour and 17 other alcohol related incidents.

Cllr Judy Butt, sub-licensing committee chairman at BOP, was told by the officers that this was an “unusually high” number of incidents for a nightlife establishment.

In delivering the committee's decision Cllr Butt said: "We are satisfied that both serious crime and serious disorder has taken place at the premises and therefore resolved that the premises licence be revoked."

Frank Wenzel, licensing manager at BOP, said: "We always welcome good, safe, well managed premises within Poole. On the Roxx was neither managed well or had the calibre of premises' supervisor required to establish a well-run bar.

"We acknowledge that the late night environment can be challenging and work with premises to help maintain safe and enjoyable venues. This decision sends a clear message that poor management of licensed premises will not be tolerated and could ultimately lead to the loss of your licence."

A last ditch attempt to save the premises was made by sole trader Steven Hellyn who had the licence transferred to him from Brothers Leisure Ltd just hours before Thursday’s meeting.

As the new licensee he told the committee he wanted to see the bar remain open but for the focus to shift from weekend nightlife to good food.

Mr Hellyn has 21 days to appeal.