A pub’s licence has been suspended and its landlord stopped from visiting the premises after “a series of incidents” and ongoing concerns over crime and disorder.

The Cricketers in Sturdee Avenue, Gillingham, was the subject of an application for a fast-tracked review by Kent Police’s Superintendent Rob Marsh on October 21.

The force says there have been a series of incidents over several months, including one after 11pm on October 16, which resulted in a serious injury.

It was seeking interim restrictions until a full review hearing, which is due to take place on November 17.

On October 23, a closed hearing was held by Medway Council’s licensing panel where the police, venue owner Punch Pubs and the landlord Simon Mycock made representations.

They discussed the incidents, the measures the pub had taken, and other background information related to the request.

The panel ultimately decided in favour of the police’s request to suspend the licence until this coming Monday (Nov 2).

Following the hearing, Punch said Mr Mycock, who took over the running of the pub in February, was no longer involved with it.

A spokesperson said: “We take the concerns raised regarding The Cricketers very seriously and have acted swiftly to address them.

“The previous publican has now left, and we are working closely with Kent Police and the licensing authorities as part of the ongoing review process.

“Our priority is to ensure The Cricketers is operated safely and responsibly, and we are taking the necessary steps to achieve that.”

The pub’s licence had enabled it to sell alcohol from 10am to midnight from Sunday to Wednesday, and from 10am to 1am Thursday to Saturday.

It also permitted live and recorded music 10am to 11pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am to midnight Thursday to Saturday and midday to 11pm on Sundays.

In July, the venue applied for extended hours and to use its garden on a more frequent basis.

It said the plans would allow a more gradual stream of people to leave the premises over a longer period, and it wanted to be a community asset.

The proposals were approved at a hearing on August 4.

But now, the licence has been suspended until Monday.

Between then and the full hearing on November 17, it will be allowed to serve alcohol but on a much more limited basis.

It will only be allowed to sell booze and other licensable activities, like selling hot food, from 10am to 10pm, seven days a week.

No regulated entertainment, such as live or recorded music, is to be allowed and no alcohol can be consumed in the garden.

Additionally, Simon Mycock and Edward Mycock are not permitted on the premises.

A meeting is to take place between the pub and local residents on Monday.