Pub where 'man's ear was bitten off' keeps licence

Twenty-four letters of support were written in favour of the pub from customers and local businesses

A pub has kept its licence despite a committee being told of an incident which allegedly saw part of a man's ear bitten off.

The alleged incident took place during a fight at The Chequers in Hutton, Essex, on the evening of 11 May, Brentwood Borough Council was told.

However, a police investigation was frustrated when the venue failed to provide CCTV of the disturbance on two occasions, a licensing committee meeting heard.

The council said the pub could keep its licence under the condition a designated supervisor was given access to the CCTV system.

The licensing sub-committee also ordered more rigorous training over the sale of alcohol and urged the landlord to consider hiring security staff.

'Sadness and regret'

Police were met by a man who was missing a section of his ear when they attended the pub, in Rayleigh Road, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The council hearing was told the pub had previously been given a verbal warning about its noise levels in the early hours.

Representing the pub, solicitor Andrew Cochrane said its owners felt "great sadness and regret" to find themselves before the hearing.

"They are sorry they are here and sorry for the circumstances," he said.

"They have run this pub for around 18 years and this is bordering on a record these days. I think it’s a tribute to their work in the community."

One supportive customer, Richard Thompson, said he was happy to take his grandchild with special needs to the pub and he felt "so safe in the pub it's unbelievable".

Licensing officer Dave Leonard said the pub's licence was "outdated and needed to be updated".

The pub was also told it must make CCTV available to authorities in the future.