A PUB manager has been barred from being the licensee of a Banbury pub after a catalogue of drug taking and violence at a Banbury bar.

Since July 2006 police had been called to the Unicorn Pub, in Market Place, 46 times after fights, drug related incidents and excessive drinking.

Among the incidents was a man convulsing in the street near the pub with white powder up his nose.

In September last year, a man was attacked with what police believe was a pool cue, and after a fight last July the people involved were too drunk to make a statement to officers.

Tenant Chris Lyons was also arrested in connection with two separate fights at Jolly Weavers pub, South Bar Street, Banbury.

But last Friday, Cherwell District Council’s licensing committee called time on licensee Lyons after more than three years at the pub.

He will no longer be the licensee, also known as the designated premises supervisor, although he can still retain the tenancy of the pub.

Mr Lyons was also stripped of the licence for the Musketeer, Ruscote Avenue, Banbury.

A replacement would be vetted by Thames Valley Police.

Punch Taverns, who own the pub, said it was disappointed with the decision, but had plans for a £150,000 refurbishment of the site.

But Laura Morris, Thames Valley Police’s licensing officer, backed the move.

She said: “What we were looking for was more control over the premises whether that meant the removal of the DPS or not.

“We were going in on the lack of management control. They still couldn’t curb intoxication and still couldn’t curb drug use.

“When you have got assaults by the bar manager and DPS, even if it’s in other premises, it doesn’t show they are responsible to control the sale of alcohol.

“The DPS’s removal means they can get a new manager in there and start from scratch.”

She said violent disorder had improved since last September after new door staff were employed.

Michael Gibbard, member of the committee, said: “We felt that the management of the Unicorn had been a little weak and although there had been some improvement since September when the door staff were changed, there were still concerns about its running.”

Louise Gaul, of Punch Taverns said: “We are disappointed by the outcome of the hearing and are currently considering our immediate options for the site with our operator.

“Looking to the future, we are planning a major investment in the site this spring.”

The committee also added a number of conditions to the premises licence, including banning outdoor music or entertainment, stipulated two door staff must be on duty from 8pm on Thursday to Sunday, and the pub must introduce a written drugs policy.