A PUB with a history of violence and drugs following late-night drinking has been ordered to shut for 28 days.

The suspension of the licence for the Ashley Hotel was welcomed by New Forest District Council crime and disorder portfolio- holder Councillor Goff Beck.

Ashley Hotel licensee Craig Galpin was given the opportunity to appeal against the decision of the council’s licensing sub-committee before it takes effect on Friday.

When the pub in New Milton reopens it will be subject to a series of tough measures to ensure no repeat offences happen.

The committee heard from police and environmental health officers that there had been violent incidents at the village centre pub.

It had been the scene of excessive drinking, alcohol had been sold to under-18s, and there had been lock-ins.

Other problems included a noise nuisance, the sale of drink to people banned under the New Milton Pub Watch scheme and the use of drugs.

Councillors heard there had been warnings from the authorities “but that the licence holder had failed to take the appropriate action to resolve the problems”.

The majority of the problems were “as a consequence of the late licensing hours”.

When the pub reopens, drink sales will end at 11pm with 30 minutes’ drinking-up time.

Entertainment will be limited to 11pm and will not be allowed until council officers agree there will be no nuisance.

Under-18s will be banned after 7.30pm and time limits will be put on drinking outside.

Cllr Beck said Ashley needed a pub for the community. “What I can’t endorse is bad management of the premises,” he said.

Mr Galpin was not contactable but the council says he has not yet appealed the decision.