A LANDLADY has been removed from a pub which became notorious for violence and bar room brawls.

The Bull Inn has also been slapped with 13 tough conditions, including shorter opening hours, in a bid to reduce trouble.

A Basildon Council licensing sub committee at the Basildon Centre yesterday removed Sharon Cosentino as designated premises supervisor of the pub in London Road, Pitsea.

She is still able to remain landlady of Great Chalvedon Hall pub in Pitsea, where police told the hearing there have not been similar problems.

The committee heard how late nights had often descended into violence at the pub, with at least 20 bare-chested travellers fighting outside and threatening police on one occasion.

Roger Lowe, Essex Police licensing officer for Basildon, said: “I have issued Mrs Cosentino on more than one occasion with warnings as to serving drunks. Drunkenness is a strong theme that runs through here.”

David Abrahall, sub committee chairman, said: “Members view this whole situation as very serious. Our main concern is for the safety and well being of users of this public house and of course local residents.

“In view of that, we believe the conditions we are to impose are necessary and proportionate.”

The Bull can now only open until midnight on Mondays to Saturdays, and 10.30pm on Sundays.

It had previously been able to open until 1.30am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 11pm on Sundays.

The pub must also remove all pool tables because of fights involving pool cues, and non-gaming machines.

There must be at least one doorman after 8pm every night and two on music nights, who must also patrol the car park area.

The committee heard police had been called to 26 incidents between January 2009 and July 2 this year.

Injuries from fighting ranged from stab wounds, head wounds and bite marks to various breaks and fractures.

Statements prepared for the review by police officers who attended the incidents, detailed how they faced threats of violence from customers.

Other conditions include better CCTV, no beer served in bottles, toughened safety glasses, no under 18s in the bar after 9pm and a personal licence holder must be on the premises after 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Many of the conditions, including Mrs Cosentino stepping down, were mutually agreed by police and the pub ahead of the review.