A troubled sports bar at the centre of police attention, after a teenager was stabbed nearby, has been slapped with strict operating conditions.

Century Club in Lower Stone Street, Maidstone, had its licence reviewed after Kent Police found the owners had not learnt from previous incidents, including a brawl where officers had to Taser revellers.

Others were later seen near the venue wearing body armour, claiming the town was no longer safe.

Police referred to a stabbing in July which saw an 18-year-old seriously injured near the premises. A fight erupted involving customers that had recently left the club.

Three men were arrested after the violent scenes, which first started inside the venue, and it is subject to a live criminal investigation.

It was the culmination of several incidents referred to in an 18-page police report which touched on repeated breaches of Covid protocol, including the venue continuing to operate as a nightclub when others couldn't.

The report stated: "The venue seems to have become a focal point for customers outside of Maidstone which gives concern for increased crime and disorder, public safety, and public."

It added: "Whilst on duty Saturday July 3 PC Williams engaged with young adults whom had come from outside the county. They were wearing body armour. In response to why they were wearing the armour they confirmed Maidstone wasn’t safe and therefore felt it was necessary to wear for their own protection."

The review was instigated after issues with public nuisance and breaking Covid-19 laws during September last year.

On September 5, 2020, police officers deployed a Taser at the venue after fights broke out between customers who were running in and out of traffic in the street.

Police officers had told owners Othman Ktifi and Antonia Locatelli the venue was overcrowded earlier in the night, only to return and see customers still entering.

No arrests were made as police were overwhelmed by the amount of customers at the premises.

The next day police identified people involved in the fights attempting to go back into the club, who were turned away.

Kent Police made 28 recommendations as a result of the repeat breaches.

Officers had recommended the club shut its doors at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, rather than the current 4am but this was eventually dropped.

As a result of the review, the club will no longer be able to admit guests after 1am and will not be able to charge for entry.

It will also no longer hold any external events and promoters are banned.

CCTV at the premises will have to be updated after problems obtaining footage arose during the incidents, with the club's owners, Mr Ktifi and Ms Locatelli, claiming a password needed resetting.

In a statement Chief Inspector Gary Woodward of Kent Police said: “The venue needs to implement strong control measures especially around searching as the persons involved in the stabbing were clearly armed.

“It is unknown if they were in possession of such weapons whilst in the venue but what is clear is that they have walked into the venue unchecked.

"It is the belief of Kent Police that there is a lack of suitable pre-planning and risk assessments at the venue and it is clear management have no measures in place to safeguard customers inside or outside the venue.

"It is clear that these incidents seem to continue. Residents have also expressed their concerns to the police about the day to day running of the venue.

“Their main concerns are the loud music in the early hours of the morning and all the customers and vehicles at the front of the premises causing a general nuisance.”

The owners have been approached for comment.

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