A HAMPSHIRE pub could be stripped of its licence following outbreaks of violence and drug abuse among its customers.

David Franklin, licensee of the Sportsman’s Arms in Pennington, is criticised in a hard-hitting report that police have sent the district council.

It cites an incident that took place in February, when a man suffered serious facial injuries after being kicked and punched ten times. A few days later paramedics went to the aid of a man having a fit in the pub and discovered a fight in progress.

The report says a police officer sensed a “very tense”

atmosphere when he arrived.

It adds: “Patrons declined to provide their details or assist the police in any way. Mr Franklin failed to tell the officer that there had been a serious disturbance in his pub, despite being seen watching it when CCTV was viewed.”

The report,which goes before the licensing sub-committee on June 21, also says traces of cocaine and Ecstasy have been found on the premises.

It adds: “The designated premises supervisor (DPS) should do everything they can to prevent crime and disorder.

“Not only has Mr Franklin failed to do this but when there was a serious disturbance he failed to disclose it to attending officers and subsequently failed to co-operate with the police investigation.”

A Marston’s spokesman said the company was hoping for a “positive outcome”