A pub group has backed calls by police to remove a landlord operating one of its venues amid concerns over unreported violent incidents and “serious crime”.

The Woodland Tavern, formerly The Canterbury Tales, in Gillingham is the subject of a licensing review following a request from Kent Police.

It was made following several alleged violent incidents which the force claims it was not alerted to at the time, and when officers did try and investigate they found CCTV records had not been kept.

In one incident a customer was allegedly punched by a staff member after clapping to get their attention.

A second incident detailed in the licence review request involved one customer at the venue in Canterbury Street allegedly headbutting another - neither incident was reported by the pub.

When the force became aware of the incidents, they attempted to investigate but found the CCTV records had been automatically wiped.

The police also said attempts to work with the landlord, Mr Lee Gaul, to improve the CCTV system and report incidents more quickly were ignored and Mr Gaul was uncooperative.

On October 28 police submitted a request for the licence to be reviewed and asked for Medway Council to consider removing Mr Gaul as the designated premises supervisor (DPS).

The licence will be reviewed at a hearing next week where councillors will hear from the police and representatives from the Woodland Tavern and make a decision on how to proceed.

Mr Gaul has not submitted any documents to refute Kent Police’s accusations, however solicitors on behalf of Ei Group Ltd - part of the Stonegate Group of pub owners - has written to say it is not responsible for the operation of the pub.

Lawyers for the pub group, Gosschalks Solicitors, say they agree with the police and believe “an appropriate and proportionate response” would be to remove Mr Gaul as DPS and add new rules to the licence.

In their letter, they add: “Please note that we take a wholly neutral stance with regards to the allegations made given that [Ei Group Ltd] has no operational responsibility for the operation of the premises.”

The pub group were approached for further comment.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) also contacted Mr Gaul but he said he did not wish to make any comment.

The licencing hearing will take place on December 10 and councillors will make a decision on whether to impose new rules on the licence and if Mr Gaul should remain as DPS.