A village’s only pub, once home to playwright Noel Coward, has had its licence stripped after police raised concerns over public safety and drinking into the early hours.

Officers became suspicious of potentially unlawful opening hours at the Star Inn in St Mary in the Marsh, after being called to a disturbance out of hours.

A woman was found heavily intoxicated at 2.50am on June 15 and it was reported she attempted to assault others inside.

The incident fuelled concerns alcohol was being served well beyond licensed hours of 11am to 10.30pm on Mondays to Saturdays and midday to 10pm on Sundays.

Concerns intensified after further evidence indicated the historic inn was open into the early hours on a second occasion in August.

Officers also noted a reluctance to assist with inquiries after the first call-out.

Police say assistance was offered to the pub, such as help improving CCTV, but officers felt there had been a failure to engage in discussion about running the premises responsibly.

After the force ordered a licence review, Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) yesterday stripped it away.

A representative argued on behalf of licence holder Katie Duffy during a licensing committee meeting in the council chamber that “mistakes have been made but addressed”.

“A number of steps have been taken to address the issues that have been raised by Kent Police and the licensing authority,” they said.

“Since the incidents, a new Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) took up the position in September, with lots of industry experience.

“A new CCTV system has been installed that covers all areas where the public can remain.

“So again, mistakes have been made in the past, but they have been addressed.

“Ms Duffy remains committed to working fully cooperatively so no further concerns are raised in the future.”

Speaking after the meeting, licensing officer PC Alistair Pringle said: “Running a licensed premises comes with responsibilities, and it's important that those who run pubs and bars keep their customers safe and prevent antisocial behaviour towards neighbouring residents.

“We will always work with pubs and bars to help them maintain good working practices and ensure staff know how to help people when needed.

“However, where we believe licence holders are not taking their responsibilities seriously and are refusing to engage with authorities, we will take action such as this.

“I hope this decision encourages those who run other pubs and bars to comply with safety rules and guidance.”

In the early 1920s, its cottage was rented by Coward while he was looking for a house to buy.

It is also thought that, during his time at the pub, the playwright met Edith Nesbit - author of the novel The Railway Children.