A PUB with a recent history of violence and drugs issues following late-night drinking has been ordered to shut for 28 days.

The suspension of the licence for the Ashley Hotel, New Milton, was welcomed by New Forest District Council crime and disorder portfolio-holder Cllr Goff Beck.

Ashley Hotel licensee Craig Galpin was given the opportunity to appeal against the decision of the council’s licensing sub-committee before it takes effect on Friday.

When the pub re-opens it will be subject to a series of tough measures to ensure no repeat offences happen.

The sub-committee heard from police and environmental health officers that there had been violent incidents at the village centre pub.

It had been the scene of excessive drinking, alcohol had been sold to under-18s, there had been lock-ins, noise nuisance, the sale of drink to people banned under the New Milton Pub Watch scheme, the use of drugs and use of the garden after 9pm in contravention of the licence.

Councillors heard there had been visits, letters and warnings from the authorities “but that the licence holder had failed to take the appropriate action to resolve the problems”.

The majority of the problems were “as a consequence of the late licensing hours” previously granted.

When the pub re-opens, drink sales will end at 11pm with 30 minutes’ drinking-up time.

Entertainment will be limited to 11pm and will not be allowed until council officers agree there will be no nuisance.

Under-18s will be banned after 7.30pm; time limits will be put on drinking outside; anyone looking under 25 years old will have to prove their age and bar staff must possess the National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders.

Staff are to be trained regarding the potential for drug-taking or dealing.

Cllr Beck said Ashley needed a pub for the community.

“What I can’t endorse is bad management of the premises,” he said.

Mr Galpin was not contactable but the council says he has not yet appealed the decision.