A BAR owner is devastated after Essex Police demanded its licence be looked into over claims of underage drinking.

Stephen Adams, landlord of the Quayside Bar and Restaurant, in Haven Road, Hythe, said he was shocked and saddened to receive notice through the post saying Colchester Council was considering revoking the bar’s alcohol licence.

Mr Adams said the application had been made after an 18th birthday party was held at the pub earlier this month.

Essex Police has alleged the event caused public nuisance and possible under 18s drinking alcohol.

However, Mr Adams said all people entering the pub were checked and those who were underage were turned away. He said: “I’m absolutely staggered by it. The alleged incident actually took place down the street from us and there were no arrests or injuries.

“As we do with every 18th birthday party, we spoke to the parents and said they had to be there, which they were.

“Theywere expecting 60 people but we had reports of more people coming and there were reports of youths drinking at the end of the road.

“The staff told me more people were expected and I told them to shut the party down at 9.30pm, which we did.”

Essex Police’s application said their concerns related to public safety, prevention of public nuisance and protection of children from harm.

If proved to be true, it could mean the alcohol licence is revoked and the bar closed.

Essex Police also raised concerns about the bar featuring on a Channel 4 programme, the Secret World of Tinder, which filmed a customer talking about his use of the dating app.

Mr Adams said: “The police said it was their view the participation portrayed Colchester’s night time economy in a negative light when it is trying to rebuild it after previous TV shows.

“I’m staggered they mentioned the programme. It wasn’t about drinking, but dating. It showed the pub sign and the customer being interviewed inside the bar and that was it.

“We have run this pub for seven years and never had any visits from the police.

“We are shocked and saddened and, to be honest, when we got the paperwork through the post we were ready to give it all up.”

The council hearing is expected to be held into the claims this summer.

People who wish to have their say on the licence can do so until June 17 by writing to Licensing Manager, Colchester Borough Council, PO Box 889, Rowan House, 33 Sheepen Road, Colchester CO3 3WG.