A bar has lost its licence over concerns about the crime and disorder which have taken place at the venue.

Spartans Bar, located to the rear of Strood High Street, can no longer sell alcohol after Kent Police described designated premises supervisor Robert Medley as “completely unsuitable and not a fit and proper person” to operate the premises.

Licence holder Janet Sterry, who did not attend the behind-closed-doors hearing this morning, surrendered her licence to Medway Council last month.

Kent Police’s representation, submitted by licensing officer PC Dan Hunt, suggested there had been “continued mismanagement” at the bar, leading to a series of incidents.

It read: “It is often the case that police will request a licence review as a result of a very serious incident such as glassing, stabbing or other grievous bodily harm assault occurring inside a licensed premises.

“Kent Police are unaware of an incident of such severity occurring at the premises.

“(But) it is fearful that should the premises continue to operate in its current form without action being taken, the chances of such an incident taking place grows increasingly likely.

“In these circumstances, it would be irresponsible to wait for such an incident to take place before calling for a review. Having considered all the available options, Kent Police seek revocation of the premises licence.”

“I think the panel does feel a degree of frustration of the length of time that this issue went on..." Cllr Diane Chambers

Kent Police and Medway Council say they worked hard to try to address the issues at the venue, but intervention resulted in officers being “subjected to verbal abuse and aggressive behaviour”.

Kent Fire and Rescue also supported the review over concerns there was no fire risk assessment in place, while a plan of action “in case of serious and imminent danger” had not been supplied by the bar.

Announcing the outcome of the hearing, panel chairman Cllr Diane Chambers (Con) said: “We have given consideration to what you’ve said, and also in the absence of the licence holder appearing to give their opinion of what’s happened, we have agreed to your request to rescind the licence for these premises.

“I think the panel does feel a degree of frustration of the length of time that this issue went on, and whilst we commend you for being positive in trying to turn it around, we feel that the mix possible should have indicated that it was unlikely.”

According to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), Spartans Bar was "primarily for the gym users to which the bar is attached".

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