ONE of Bournemouth's biggest bars could be shut down next month because police believe it is a hotspot for drink-fuelled violence.

In what could prove a landmark case, Dorset Police is preparing to argue that Walkabout in Old Christchurch Road should not have its current licence converted under the new laws.

A five-day council hearing during September will consider the police evidence and decide whether the 700-capacity Australian themed-bar will have to close.

Walkabout, which is owned by Regents Inns, is a major national brand with 48 bars across the country and the hearing is likely to attract plenty of media attention.

It's believed to be the first time Dorset Police has sought to close a pub on the grounds of crime and disorder.

The bar is close to Horseshoe Common, which police say is the single most violent area in Dorset.

In April this year, teenager Mark Owen was hit over the head with a bottle in an unprovoked attack at the pub.

The 19-year-old was left blind in one eye and had to abandon his dream of becoming a police officer.

In a letter to Bournemouth council's licensing team, licensing officer Gail Wade wrote: "On behalf of Dorset Police, I wish to object to the conversion application on the grounds that the premises fails to promote the licensing objective in respect of the prevention of crime and disorder.

"It is the view of Dorset Police that levels of crime and disorder have reached unacceptable levels at the premises. Evidence in relation to this will, of course, be presented at any subsequent hearing."

The hearing will start on either September 12 or 19 if attempts to mediate between the two parties fail.

If Dorset Police succeed in persuading councillors not to convert Walkabout's licence, Regent Inns could eventually request a judicial review that could cost the council tens of thousands of pounds.

It's not the first time Walkabout and Dorset Police have clashed. Last July, the council's licensing committee refused a request to increase the capacity at Walkabout to 1,100 after police objected.

Then, Dorset Police argued that increasing the capacity would "further exacerbate what is already becoming a serious situation".

Walkabout's Bournemouth manager declined to comment. Nobody at Regent Inns was available for interview.

First published: August 30