A WINCHESTER pub has come under the police spotlight after incidents of public nuisance which could see its boss stripped of his position.

As previously reported, The Exchange, in Southgate Street, will have its licence reviewed by Winchester City Council following a request from the police.

Reasons behind the application have now emerged as the Licensing Sub-Committee will determined the pub’s future at a meeting on Friday (August 13).

The application has been submitted by PC Brian Swallow who has called for designated premises supervisor (DPS) Colin Cark to be removed from his position.

PC Swallow has said that Mr Clark has failed to uphold the licensing objectives and as such, “crime is being committed, people are getting injured, there is nuisance caused and the lack of controls lead me to believe that underage persons are being supplied alcohol”.

A number of incidents at the premises have taken place in 2020 and 2021. On one occasion a drunk man fell on the pavement when leaving the pub causing “suspected serious facial injuries”.

“Male’s friends said that he had been drinking ‘shots’ all night long in the pub,” PC Swallow said. “Premises inspected by special constables following the incident, observed large build-up of uncollected glassware. Understaffed in relation to the number of patrons. Clark spoke to and dismissive of advice given to him.”

In other incidents drunk people were asked to leave, but “they became very abusive and threatened violence towards the bar staff”.

The application states that Mr Clark had no written forms for refusals or ejections involving intoxication, along with no written age verification policy.

PC Swallow said: “Clark thinks either that he has no need to uphold the licensing objectives or is completely ignorant that they exist.”

The committee has been asked to impose conditions such as SIA security on certain days of the week and certain events, body worn video and comprehensive CCTV system, to name a few.

He added: “In addition, the removal of Clark as DPS as I have no confidence in his ability to uphold the licensing objectives whilst authorising the supply of alcohol.

“Without these changes to the premises licence, incidents of crime disorder, drunkenness, anti-social behaviour and injuries will continue and increase in intensity and number.”

In response, Mr Clark’s solicitors, Trethowans, said: “Whilst Mr Clark’s recollection and understanding of some of the issues you raise do not agree with your accounts, he does accept that in the very exceptional situation he found himself due to the pandemic after 21 years in the trade as a tenant licensee of this pub, he fell short of some of the administrative standards expected.”

The letter read that he has “already taken positive measures” and is “readily and willingly agreed to a complete overhaul of his compliance protocols”.