Police have objected to a bid by a pub boss for a temporary alcohol licence amid fears over “incidents of disorder” and suspected “underage sales”.

Leaseholder Marius Rexha has applied for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for The Prince Albert, in Wrotham Road, Gravesend, to allow it to sell booze from January 7 until January 13.

The town centre pub does not currently have a valid premises licence therefore any licensable activities would only be permitted with a TEN or a new licence.

It is believed this notice would allow the pub to continue trading while it applies for a new licence, although no application has yet been submitted to Gravesham council.

Mr Rexha is therefore seeking permission for a TEN which would allow The Prince Albert to sell alcohol between 6.30pm and 1am, from January 7 until January 13.

However, the police has lodged objections because officers have “serious concerns” about the boss’s ability to run the pub, even on a temporary basis, to prevent crime and ensure public safety.

In his report, chief constable Tim Smith said: “It is felt that Mr Rexha is incapable of operating any events held at the premises as he has failed to recognise his licence has lapsed.”

He stated that it was not until Mr Rexha was asked by the force to amend his licence and change the designated premises supervisor (DPS) that he discovered his licence had been dissolved.

The objection letter added that the premises had been under review by officers due to “failings” with its day-to-day operations and were under a proactive management plan.

It said the force was aware of suspected underage sales and when asked to provide CCTV, Mr Rexha did not have it as he only retains footage for seven days, as opposed to the industry standard of 31 days.

Mr Smith added: “He failed to contact the police to establish what was required and it is felt that he intentionally failed to make contact or provide CCTV as this would show them selling to underage persons.”

Officers also believe that the pub is poorly supervised as the current DPS Renate Zavaczki is often out of the country and staff are not adequately trained.

On one occasion, it was discovered a member of the bar staff was running the pub alone and admitted to having no training and was unaware of her responsibilities.

Mr Smith added: “The lack of training for staff is a serious issue. Staff members must be aware of their responsibilities and adequately trained to handle various situations that may arise.

“The incident where a staff member was found running the premises alone without any training underscores the need for stringent training requirements.”

The objection continued: “The premises has been known to suffer from noise complaints and in recent months there have been incidents of disorder reported and suspected underage sales.

“By allowing the premises to be open for an extended period during the events planned it is felt that incidents of crime and disorder will continue.”

The TEN application is set to be decided by Gravesham council’s licensing panel tomorrow (Thursday, January 2).

In 2022, plans to turn the beer garden into a shisha bar at The Prince Albert were rejected as council officers had a number of concerns about its use, including potential anti-social behaviour.

Enforcement officers were also called to the venue the year before as an outdoor timber structure had been built without permission.

KentOnline has attempted to contact Mr Rexha four times for comment.