A LANDLORD who hosted lap dancing and was accused of breaking anti-smoking laws has been ousted by his pub’s owners.

‘Sexy live pole shows and intimate private dancing’ was advertised as part of a fundraising event for a children’s charity at the Napier Arms in Woodford New Road by landlord Cameron Russell in May.

People living nearby raised concerns over this, as well as noise and anti-social behaviour there and there was evidence that bar staff were serving drinks after the pub's licensed closing time of 11pm on a Thursday night.

The pub stood to lose its alcohol licence after Redbridge Council’s enforcement team called for its review, but freehold owners Enterprise Inns reached a compromise with residents at a hearing today (Monday).

Richard Taylor, of Gosschalks solicitors, representing the pub company, said it had terminated Mr Russell’s contract and planned to change the troubled venue’s image.

“We’re prepared to give up live music,” he told residents. “We’re seeking to run a food-led establishment.

“I accept there are bridges to be built and I’ve told everybody we want to work with them, not against them.”

The council’s licensing committee ruled that the pub could keep its licence, as long as future tenants met new conditions, including:

- Closing all doors and windows whenever music is played or other entertainment is on

- Locking the pub’s car park half an hour after last orders

- Employing door staff on Friday and Saturday nights or whenever the pub is open past 11.30pm

- Not running drinks promotions that could encourage the ‘excessive consumption of alcohol’.

The pub remains open under a new licensee.

Rachel Hunniford, 44, of nearby Fullers Road, said: “I’m very happy with the negotiations we’ve made today and it’s been a very refreshing change from previous hearings.

“This has been going on for six years. This is the most productive meeting we’ve had. We’re quietly pleased.”

Councillor Richard Hoskins, who represents the area around the pub, said: “I think (the conditions) were satisfactory.

“Residents have regularly been disturbed in the early hours of the morning, so by getting the hours changed, that was the key, because it means residents are not going to get disturbed in the way they were.”

Click here to follow the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian on Twitter