A BASINGSTOKE bar has closed for two weeks after it lost its licence to sell alcohol.

As previously reported in The Gazette, the Rhu Bar, at the Top of The Town, was given a two-week ban on selling alcohol after a customer suffered eye injuries in a late-night brawl.

Hampshire Constabulary called for a review of the bar’s premises license following the fight, which broke out between two men in the rear garden of Rhu Bar on October 25 last year.

The fight escalated when one man threw glass bottles at the other, and one smashed in the victim’s face.

Doctors told the injured man to expect to lose his eyesight, but some of the damage caused by fragments of glass in both eyes was repaired.

At the premises licence review hearing in April, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council suspended the bar’s licence for two weeks and removed owner Rob Bates as designated premises supervisor (DPS).

The council’s licensing sub committee also called for stricter conditions on the licence and said that Mr Bates’ relationship with the police was "at times not only uncooperative but obstructive".

However, Mr Bates appealed this decision, meaning the two-week closure was delayed until the outcome of the appeal hearing.

The appeal was held on Friday at Aldershot Magistrates’ Court, where both parties agreed variations to some of the conditions imposed by the council.

Mr Bates did not appeal the decision to suspend the licence for two weeks or be removed as the DPS.

However, a sign posted outside the bar described the council’s decision as "unreasonable", adding: “We are so sorry to our loyal customers. We will inform everyone soon if we can financially re-open.”

This closure came into effect on Friday.

Councillor Diane Taylor, chair of the council’s licensing committee, said: “The licence holders decided not to pursue an appeal against the sub committee’s decision to suspend the premises licence for two weeks whilst a new DPS is appointed and trained, and the subsequent two week closure is now in place.

“Variations to the original decision, which were agreed by both parties, relate to the number and positioning of licensed door staff required at specific times, and details of training and timescale for the appointment of a replacement DPS.

“The role of the licensing committee is to ensure premises in the borough operate in a way that prevents crime, disorder and public nuisance, ensures public safety and protects children from harm and it is essential licence holders work constructively in partnership with all the responsible authorities to do this. If evidence is presented that shows these objectives are not being met then appropriate action will be taken.”