A LICENCE review of a pub run by an Isle of Wight councillor, abandoned after concerns were raised about a possible conflict of interests, has been rescheduled for next week.
Police have called for a licence review of The Stag Inn, Lake, following a number of violent incidents, allegations of underage drinking and unconfirmed reports of the supply or use of illegal drugs.
They say the pub's licence should be suspended while more robust conditions are drawn up, and have called for CCTV images to be retained for 14 days and door supervisors to be present on Friday and Saturday nights.
But licence holder Cllr Jerry White — who has been suspended from the Conservative group for the duration of the review — said the pub was perfectly safe following a number of improvements, and claimed many of the complaints made by residents are vexatious.
He said he had taken steps to train staff and dismiss the former designated premises supervisor.
A review hearing, held at County Hall last month, was abandoned after Cllr White's barrister argued it was unfair as members of the Isle of Wight Council's licensing committee knew Cllr White and the hearing would be biased.
It had been suggested another local authority could hear the review application but, after taking legal advice, the council has determined it must make a decision itself. The hearing will therefore be held at County Hall on Tuesday, next week.
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk