The licensees of a Maldon pub face strict conditions on their licence following reports of under-age drinking and trouble in the street after closing time.

Kevin James and Michele Crow of the Rose and Crown pub in the High Street were told by Chelmsford magistrates that they will have to stick to new conditions on their licence.

Essex County Council barrister, Lynne Braby-Pavitt, told the court that police had become concerned about disturbances outside the pub.

"These have been disturbing the locals and there is also the issue of under-age drinking. Children as young as 16 have been offered drinks by staff behind the bar," she said.

She said it was considered the couple could keep their licence if it was to be renewed with certain conditions.

The pub will now have an over-21s policy on Friday and Saturday nights, and no under-18s at all other times, and CCTV put on all public entrances and exits and in the bar area by May 25.

No glasses or open bottles are to be removed from the premises, except in the patio and garden area, and there can be no applications made for an entertainments licence.

Although the conditions will not come into effect until June 13, when the new licence is issued at Witham Magistrates' Court, Alan Hunt, defending, told the court the couple have already started working towards them.

"My client has said that what they are offering is common sense. He does not advocate under-age drinking. Things have been said to the police which have not been said to them. They are going to liaise with the police about the CCTV and the other conditions," he said.

After the hearing, Insp Ian Weller of Maldon Police, said: "From our point of view we're prepared to give them the opportunity to show they can follow the conditions that have been undertaken today."

Licensee Mr James thanked people who had supported the couple throughout the past few months.

"I would like to say thank you to all the people who have supported us, especially Gillian Chapman, who started up a petition. We are happy to do anything to stop trouble in Maldon.

"We have always worked with the police, but things come to a head, and we just want to clear our name."

Licence conditions: The Rose and Crown pub in Maldon High Street.

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