A PUB faces losing its licence after a brawl involving a weapon was “escalated by those responsible”.
A staff member at The White Hart in Corn Market, Wimborne, behaved in a “confrontational and aggressive” manner, according to police.
Officers attended and now believe the 17th-century pub is “not being responsibly managed” and that drugs could be being dealt on site.
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Dorset Council is now investigating the pub after the “large” fight which is said to have 'involved a knife'.
Dorset Police has since filed a review for its licence to operate.
In documents submitted to the council, sergeant Gareth Gosling said: “Dorset Police have identified that the individual responsible for the management of this premises fundamentally failed in the objective to prevent crime and disorder through their participation during an incident of disorder at the premises.
“Maximising the safety of customers and members of the public, particularly during and following incidents of disorder, is expected of staff operating within licensed premises.
“It is understandable that some members of staff may be shocked or may lack adequate conflict management training, however, they should not conduct themselves in a manner which escalates the incident further and increases the risk towards others.
“Dorset Police have received intelligence which indicates that the member of staff with overall responsibility for the premises has deliberately obtained a weapon, during a disturbance at the premises, which further escalated the incident and placed customers, staff and members of the public at significant risk.”
He added that the force “no longer has any confidence in the designated premises supervisor or premises licence holder to uphold the licensing objectives”.
A spokesperson for the force said officers were called to the pub shortly after midnight on Saturday, November 4.
“It was reported that one of those involved was believed to be in possession of a knife,” the spokesperson added.
“A further report was received that damage was caused to a window of the pub.
“Officers attended and those involved in the incident had dispersed.
“Enquiries into the matter are ongoing, including a review of available CCTV footage. No arrests have been made at this time.”
The pub will now be brought before Dorset Council’s licencing sub-committee and a decision whether to revoke the licence or not will be made.
The White Hart has been approached for a comment but had not responded at the time of publication.
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