Police blame pub for resort crime

The Three Mariners pub is on St George Street in the walled area

A police inspector says more than 10% of crimes committed in the walled area of a Pembrokeshire town can be directly linked to just one pub.

Insp Les Clark has opposed the renewal of an entertainment licence for the Three Mariners, Tenby which if refused would cut back its opening hours.

Landlords James and Lisa May said on their solicitor's advice they would not comment before Tuesday's hearing.

But they said they would challenge the police report about their pub.

The premises is a source of much of the anti-social behaviour problems experienced by Tenby residents Inspector Les Clark

Inspector Clark said Dyfed-Powys Police records show that of the 255 crimes committed within the 13th Century fortress walls of Tenby town centre throughout 2004, 34 or 13% 'were directly linked' to the watering hole.

He said 20 of these related to assaults and affray.

In a report prepared for Pembrokeshire Council's Licensing Committee he said: "I have serious concerns about the premises following complaints by local councillors, residents and visitors about disorderly conduct in and around the premises.

"During my frequent visits to Tenby Council I have been strongly encouraged to ensure that the St George Street area of the town is policed in greater numbers than elsewhere specifically because of the premises.

"These complaints have reinforced my own personal experiences and confirmed in my own mind that the premises is a source of much of the anti-social behaviour problems experienced by Tenby residents."

Inspector Clark intends showing councillors CCTV footage to back up his claims.

If the application is refused the pub will have to close at 2300BST

The town council is also opposing the licence renewal and a diary kept by a resident of the street alleging fights, loud music and disturbances and other incidents of anti-social behaviour has also been submitted to the committee.

As one of Pembrokeshire's main resorts Tenby can see a six-fold increase in its population at the weekends.

During the last decade it has gained a reputation as a party town and in 1999 men's magazine Maxim named Tenby the second best venue for stag parties in the world.

Police and licensees have launched pub watch schemes and taken other measures to discourage large groups of 20-somethings from visiting.

Mrs May told the BBC Wales news website: "On the advice of our solicitor we have decided not to comment until after Tuesday's meeting but we will be rigorously challenging the police report."

If the application is refused the pub will have to shut at 2300BST instead of 0100BST and will not be allowed to have live music or continue its regular karaoke nights.