A Brentwood pub has kept its licence despite a man allegedly having his ear bitten off at the venue.

The Chequers, in Rayleigh Road, Hutton has had new conditions added to its licence following a request for a review by Essex Police.

Brentwood Council’s licensing sub-committee imposed the changes at a meeting on September 17.

Essex Police requested the licence be reviewed following an incident on May 11 at around 9.30pm, when officers were called to a report of men fighting at the pub. Police were met with a man who was missing a section of his ear and was alleging that it had been bitten off.

The hearing was told how there was another incident with an alleged assault where CCTV was not given to the police. It was also told how on one occasion the pub still had customers in it at 2am when it should have been closed as well as a number of noise complaints against it.

The meeting was also attended by regular patrons of the pub, with 24 representations made in support of the pub’s bosses to the council.

Simon Barnes, Essex Police licensing officer, said: “We would recommend considering how to resolve the issues. The key issues are the CCTV which is a critical issue and the mismanagement of controlling disorder.

"We seek conditions to the licence and it has very few currently. There was a separate incident where CCTV was not given to the police when it was it requested. A woman claimed she was assaulted by staff while she was being removed from the pub.”

MORE NEWS: PHOTOS: Romford and Hornchurch cinemas and what they later became

Dave Leonard, licensing officer at the council, told the meeting the licence was “outdated and needed to be updated”. He explained he had visited the business and given a verbal warning and that complaints had been made about noise at the pub caused by people leaving in the early hours.

Resident and regular customer Richard Thompson told the meeting: “I feel very welcome in the pub, I take my grandchild who has special needs and I know another person with a special needs child who takes them too. I feel so safe in the pub it’s unbelievable, they are probably the best landlord and lady I’ve ever known. They are always helpful and doing things for other people.”

Representing the pub bosses, solicitor Andrew Cochrane said: “It’s with great sadness and regret to them they find themselves here. They are sorry they are here and sorry for the circumstances. They have run this pub for around 18 years. I think it’s a tribute to their work in the community. It is unusual for me to see 24 representatives in favour of a business owner.”

The proposed changes mean the pub must ensure a designated supervisor has access to the CCTV system and the footage is available for any authorities on request, as well as training having to be provided to staff to stop the sale of alcohol to children and drunk people.

The pub must ensure CCTV is checked regularly and backed up off site and a condition was also added to give further assurance for the management of the pub and to allow licensing investigation of incidents. There was also a condition meaning bosses are trained to deal with issues in a way that’s “more suitable” and training for the sale of alcohol to ensure both matters are in line with Essex Police. Another condition is around ensuring there is enough security at the pub and that the owners must consider security staff for the pub and doors.