AN Alton pub has had its opening hours reduced after the police complained about late-night disturbances.

As previously reported, following the licensing hearing in July, The Hop Poles, on Mount Pleasant Road, will now have to stop serving at 11.30pm, after previously having a licence to 1.30am.

Having been allowed a period of time to appeal the decision through the magistrates’ court, the new hours have now been imposed.

The change comes as part of a sweeping licence review by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) after Hampshire Constabulary raised concerns about public nuisance and public safety at the premises.

Other measures imposed include a stipulation for at least three security guards to be on the premises on Fridays and Saturdays and for CCTV to be installed in an attempt to curb bad behaviour.

EHDC’s environmental health officers had installed noise monitoring equipment in a nearby house and found that surrounding properties were significantly affected by noise.

Affected residents also appealed directly to the licensing committee in July, asking for changes.

The Hop Poles will also have to sign up to the town’s Pub Watch scheme.

Other conditions to reduce late-night noise include allowing no more than 10 customers at a time to smoke outside the premises after 10pm while empty bottles can’t be tipped into outside bins after 11.30pm.