Walkabout Bournemouth toasts licence bid court success

A Walkabout pub in Bourne-mouth has won back its licence after taking steps to reduce violence at the venue.

Magistrates granted the paperwork after Regent Inns told them it had introduced plastic glasses, 'in-house' doormen, free food after midnight, ended two-for-one drinks offers and reduced the capacity from 700 to 600.

The Walkabout had an application for a new licence turned down in September by the local authority following objections from police who listed a catalogue of assaults at the pub.

Police in Dorset cited 92 incidents of GBH, ABH and other attacks since the bar opened in 2003. They said around 5% of recorded incidents in the town happened in or around the Walkabout.

The pub will be open until 2am Monday to Saturday and 1am on Sunday - its original hours.

The force said it would consider seeking a judicial review and Chief Supt Bob Boulton said: 'Our aims have been to ensure people visiting and living in the town centre do so in an environment free of crime.'

A spokesman for Regent Inns said: 'We fully understand the gravity of the situation and look forward to building a positive relationship with the police and local authorities.'