A HOTEL has lost its nightclub licence after arrests and allegations of rape and underage drinking.

The Skylark Hotel, in Aviation Way, Southend, had volunteered to stop hosting outdoor music events, but had its alcohol and entertainment licence for the club, Zero 6, revoked.

Rochford District Council made the decision after a hearing this week. Owner Andreas Stavrinides can till sell alcohol in the hotel itself and the function rooms.

Police said they had been made aware of several allegations, including rape and under-age drinking. There had been arrests for actual bodily harm and air traffic controllers at Southend Airport had complained about lights from an outdoor marquee.

David Dadds, Mr Stavrinides’ representative, told the hearing: “The police had no concerns about the hotel. Why they would ask for the revocation of the hotel licence is beyond me. There have been 300 events in the function rooms and the only concern from that was a nonemergency 101 call.”

Essex Police licensing officer Steven Greener told the hearing the licence should be revoked in full, but the force did not get its wish.

He said: “Essex Police are unable to support a change in designated premises supervisor as the overall control of the venue will remain with the owner and therefore replacing the supervisor will have no impact on the running of the venue or events within the grounds.”

Supt Nick Morris also spoke at the hearing and slammed Mr Stavrinides’ organisation of the Kings of House event held on May 26, 2013.

Supt Morris attended the venue on the day of the event, but before it began, and instructed Mr Stavrinides to limit ticket sales, replace fire extinguishers and draft in additional security.

He said: “He was totally incompetent and completely out of his depth in what he was trying to achieve.

“I can honestly say that I have not seen such a poorly organised event in over 20 years of policing, or a licensee with such a low level of understanding of his responsibilities.

“If the event had carried on without my intervention, there could have been significant harm caused to the people attending.”