A WIMBORNE pub has been allowed to keep its licence following a review called by Dorset police after ‘a significant altercation’ outside the premises in November.

Following the incident the White Hart in the Corn Market was closed for what owners, Marston’s, described as “a clear water” period. The company also removed the existing Designated Premises Supervisor and have barred a number of individuals from the  town centre pub.

Although Dorset Council said there had not been any previous concerns the Cornmarket Residents Association told a Dorset Council licensing panel there had been previous incidents involving drugs four years ago and ongoing concerns about smoking outside the premises and noise from inside.

Mr John Bean from the Dorset Police licensing team said he had visited the pub two or three times in the past year because of incidents, although none were of major concern.

Solicitor for Marston’s, Michelle Hazelwood, said the company had been shocked when they saw CCTV from the evening and took immediate action. She said that prior to then there had been no recent public complaints and positive reviews about the premises on social media.

She said the company was now working with the police and a new Designated Premises Supervisor and were taking a cautious approach to reopening, including reducing later opening times.

She said that by making the terminal hour for serving alcohol earlier, it distinguished the premises from competitors in town and addressed fears that it would be inundated by last drinks customers. She also explained a new drugs policy and the decision to not allow drinking customers under 21 into the premises at weekends.

New conditions to be imposed on the premises by the licensing panel include CCTV to cover all exit and entry points and an incident log to be kept to include any crimes reported; the ejection of patrons, incidents of disorder, refusals to sell alcohol and any complaints received.

The pub will also have to employ qualified, uniformed, door supervisors on Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm until 30 minutes after closure and on New Year’s eve and Christmas Eve.

Steps will also be taken to minimise the use, or supply, or drugs with staff to carry out more regular collection of bottles and glasses.

Checks will also have to be made on the noise coming from the premises with sound levels reduced during the last 30 minutes of trading.

New trading hours include drink sales until 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, 11pm for the remainder of the week and 10.30pm on Sundays.

Extended hours are to be allowed over Bank Holiday weekends with a series of special conditions to apply for Wimborne Folk Festival week.