A BOURNEMOUTH pub is under fire from the police after alleged drunken and disorderly behaviour. 

Dorset Police has called for a licence review of The Bell in Christchurch Road, Pokesdown while raising concerns about “mismanagement” from the pub’s ‘designated premises supervisor’, which pub owner Marston’s said is the general manager. 

On one incident in May, the police said they were called to a fight involving a “knife” and, when talking to the “heavily intoxicated” manager, found out the a man brawled with the manager. 

The customer then left before returning with an axe when the manager had to be restrained by security and other customers before the man with the axe left. 

Dorset Police has claimed that the incident was not recorded on the log books and that the manager didn’t want to proceed with criminal charges as the man with an axe “was a friend”. 

Documents submitted to BCP Council’s licensing team by the police say: “The key observation from the sergeant in attendance at the scene of this incident was that the DPS [manager], although intoxicated, was presenting himself as being in control of the premises.  

“Whilst he was willing to answer most questions, he did refer to the person formally responsible for the premises as being ‘Dave’ and their partner who was upstairs at the time of the incident.” 

Another incident that was not reported happened in December when it was alleged that was headbutted by another customer and a pool ball was thrown at their partner’s head during a fight. 

No significant injuries occurred as a result of the incident, which was investigated and resulted in no criminal action, the police said. 

They added: “As part of this investigation, information was received which suggested that unlicensed Door supervisors were being employed and that frequent altercations were occurring and not being reported to the authorities.” 

BCP Council’s licensing committee is now tasked with deciding what licence The Bell can operate from, with the police recommending some restrictions and changes to how it can operate. 

Michelle Hazlewood, on behalf of Marston’s, said: “The seriousness of the review application is known to Marston’s Plc, in this instance the area manager has sought to work closely with Dorset Police to support the current partner.  

“In relation to the allegations made both Marston’s Plc and the DPS have questioned themselves as to what other steps could have been undertaken and whether there were any breaches of the premises licence.  

“Full details of the incident and the steps taken by both staff, the DPS and the company subsequently will be provided during the course of the premises licence holder's evidence.  

“Marston’s do not condone or accept the actions of the aggressor who returned to the premises but do seek to support their partners in the operation of the premises and to understand what steps can be taken in such circumstances which are in part beyond their control.”