Pub bosses have pulled plans to host more gigs after a backlash from residents – including a complaint of a drunk man doing a lap dance on a car.

The Prince Albert in Sea Street, Whitstable, had hoped to see a variation of its premises licence given the green light by Canterbury City Council, allowing for more live music.

Under the current agreement, the venue is only allowed to host 12 live and recorded events a year – with a maximum of one per calendar month.

Local musicians say pub gigs are vital for new bands and singers looking to make a name for themselves.

But attempts to amend the licence caused uproar, with 17 disgruntled households objecting.

Among the opponents was Suzanne Blaustone, who told KentOnline she had seen one pub-goer perform “a kind of gyrating lap dance” on her car bonnet while she was driving.

The Sea Street resident of 25 years said: “I’m delighted the bid has been scrapped – there’s absolutely no reason why this neighbourhood needs unlimited entertainment at these pubs.

“That bar has always had a problem and it's got worse over time.

“I recall one time I was driving along when someone out of their mind jumped onto the bonnet of my car while dancing in the street.

“I do not expect a total restriction of live music or events – but to eliminate restrictions completely is ridiculous.”

Another resident, Guy Campbell, wrote to the council saying: “The disruption is less about the loud music but more so the consequence of the noisy clientele that frequent that particular pub.”

He added: “Extending any licence will only be more disruptive to what remains a mixture of residential homes and businesses.”

Katherine Hopcraft also objected, saying: “The level of noise the change in licence will bring will be significantly disruptive, especially across summer months when residents have windows open and are using outdoor space.”

After the bid was pulled earlier this week, city councillor Chris Cornell told KentOnline he was glad the pub’s owners had “come to their senses on this one”.

“The Prince Albert is unfortunately a very small pub in an increasingly residential area where neighbours have had concerns for some time,” the Labour representative said.

"It’s not a suitable venue for regular live music when people so often spill out onto the street.”

A spokesperson for Star Pubs & Bars told KentOnline the application was withdrawn “as there is no actual requirement for live music at the pub over and above what is currently permitted”.

The Heineken-owned company also revealed the establishment is currently looking for a new operator to take the reins.

When KentOnline’s Secret Drinker visited the pub in January last year, he found the landlord at the time asleep in the bar.

Despite the proposals falling through, musicians were keen to stress the value of live music for both performers and landlords.

Singer Taylor Clark likened gigs in pubs to grassroots football, calling it “the foundation of music at all levels”.

The 23-year-old told KentOnline: “Pubs are really the bread and butter for every musician. Most musicians start through open nights which is where they’ll meet others. It really is the start-up for any musician looking to make their way up.

“Having an event is a really important way for pubs to bring new people in and create positive memories as well as bringing in some much-needed revenue.

“In Kent, we’re a little bit behind – some places have music every day of the week.

“Of course, we should be doing more to promote it. It’s important for communities, it brings people together and it’s unique in the way it can bring so many bodies together.

“If a pub has the right type of energy, nothing comes close to lifting a room like that and everyone is able to participate in that sound.”

Fellow musician David Shepherd had previously echoed his support for the licensing bid in principle but noted a balance would need to be struck.

He said: “Musicians have had a really hard time because of Covid and the more music venues, the better it is for us – but it does need to be mindful of concerns.

“Obviously, the plan has to be sensitive to the people around it but I do support it in principle.

“As someone who gigs around Whitstable and Kent, you see live music going on most nights of the week.”