A BAR kept its licence after a hearing said it has to comply with extra conditions.

Essex Police ordered a licence review after allegations of underage drinking and lewd behaviour at Bar Monico, in Eastern Esplanade, Canvey.

Staff were supposedly pouring drinks directly into the mouths of underage customers, while a man was accused of exposing himself to female customers.

Officers also raised concerns about assaults associated with the premises and its customers.

The owner, Derek Gray, denied police claims throughout proceedings. After the hearing, he said he would continue to work with the police and the council.

Mr Gray said: “They were conditions we already had, a lot of the things we already do.

“Obviously we are very pleased at the outcome. Right from the beginning we said it was a simple misunderstanding which has been confirmed. The licensing panel did a fantastic job getting everything back on the level and everyone will go back to working in peace and harmony.

“We have always worked with the council and the police. I think we have demonstrated that clearly.”

It took members of the licensing committee an hour-and-a-half to come up with 26 conditions, which have been attached to the licence.

These include extra CCTV being installed, extra doormen and one of the two bars being closed half an hour before the other. Also, anyone under the age of 18 also has to leave the bar before 8pm.

Dave Blackwell, Canvey Island Independent councillor and licensing committee member, said: “We didn’t think the evidence was strong enough to take the licence away.

“We just revamped some of the conditions. By putting on the conditions, the committee sends out a clear warning that people have to adhere to the licensing rules.

“Taking people’s livelihood’s away is the last resort. At the end of the day, I think we were fair.”