Broadstairs: The Falcon Inn to have its licence reviewed on police request
08:37, 03 January 2018
A pub is to have its licence reviewed on police request following a hike in crime - including one incident where an officer was severely assaulted and had his eye socket broken.
The Falcon Inn, Broadstairs, is now shut, but the licence review is still going ahead.
Louis Mayhew took over the pub tenancy at the beginning of July last year and police say they do "not have any confidence in how the premises have been operating since then".
In the report made to Thanet council, acting chief inspector Rhiannan Pepper said: "Since Mayhew has assumed the role and responsibility as landlord the level of crime at the premises has dramatically increased.
"He is serving alcohol with or without a DPS (Designated Premises Supervisor), serving people to the point they are drunk and aggressive and in essence treating the place like a private members drinking club."
A detailed list of crimes related to the pub between July and October last year is included in the report.
In one incident, police were called to the pub on Sunday, July 30 after a window was damaged.
It was claimed that people had thrown a brick through the window and were still inside.
A patrol officer attended and called for assistance as two men were causing issues.
Both were asked to leave by staff and the officer, which they eventually did, but then stood outside and refused to leave the area.
Acting chief inspector Pepper said: "There were now three police officers and were repeatedly asking them to leave the area in a non-threatening manner.
"It was at this point, one of these males turned around to walk away.
"This male then turned around towards the PC Platt when completely unprovoked, he violently assaulted the officers by punching him with his right clenched fist full in his face.
"As a result the PC Platt received a fractured cheek bone and fractured eye socket.
"The male, who was drunk, had been drinking in the premises.
"He was arrested and charged causing grievously bodily harm.
"PC Platt had to taken significant time to recover from these horrific injuries."
The Falcon Inn will have its licence reviewed by TDC's Licensing Sub Committee tomorrow.