PUB chain Marston’s has said it is “confident” in the management of a Bournemouth pub following a licence review. 

The Bell in Christchurch Road, Pokesdown, landed itself in hot water after Dorset Police alleged “mismanagement” inside. 

One of the incidents alleged was when officers were called to a fight involving a knife and, when talking to the “heavily intoxicated” manager, found out a man brawled with him. 

The force added 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.

Read more: Bournemouth pub in hot water over alleged 'mismanagement'

Following this and other alleged incidents, Dorset Police called for a review of the pub’s licence and it was brought before BCP Council’s licensing committee. 

Various conditions have been added or reinforced to the pub’s licence “on the grounds that the premises is not upholding the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance, and public safety licensing objectives”. 

Toilet checks must be completed at least five times after 8pm every day by staff and documented, for six months. 

The Bell’s senior staff must also attend all PubWatch meetings, a national voluntary organisation set up to promote best practice. 

An incident log must also be adhered too, with all incidents must be recorded, BCP Council’s licensing committee also decided. 

And staff will be given refresher training every six months going forward, with records being kept for a year and available for police officers to see. 

Responding to questions from the Echo, a spokesman from pub owner Marston’s said the chain is confident in the pub’s management. 

He said: “We worked on the revised conditions with the licensing authority to bring the license more in line with hospitality in 2024, and were all voluntary revisions, most were in place already. 

“Adam is working closely with the local community and has completed multiple charitable activities which bring the community together. We are confident in the work he and Simona are doing at the Bell. 

“We already had CCTV on site and there were no conditions added that were not already in place. We offer training and support to the team as we do with all our partner licensees.”