A TROUBLED bar, due to have its licence reviewed after a string of drunken punch-ups, has closed its doors.

The owner and landlord of Green Tees in Billericay High Street has also surrendered his licence to Basildon Council, just days ahead of a review of the nightspot’s licence was due to take place.

Phil Easteal, Basildon Council’s manager of environmental health and community safety, said: “The premises licence holder has now surrendered the licence and the chairman of the licensing committee has therefore agreed that the sub-committee meeting should be postponed.”

The Echo told last month how police had called for a review of the golf centre and bar’s licence after a string of incidents involving fights, underage drinking and general booze-fuelled violence and disorder.

Between April 2010 and March this year police attended 15 incidents at Green Tees – which has three indoor golf bays, a licensed sports bar and a dance floor.

Of those incidents most were fights or antisocial behaviour.

Officers also recorded 11 crimes related to the bar, which only opened in December 2009.

The review of the bar’s licence was due to take place on Thursday this week.

But Justin Green, premises licence holder and owner of Green Tees, handed over his licence leading the hearing to be called off.

It is thought the licence may now be transferred to a third-party.

Phil Turner, Billericay West ward councillor, said the development was a partial win for residents.

He said the bar’s management showed “complete disregard” for the safety of customers and their security arrangements.

Mr Turner added: “Hopefully this will send out a message to other establishments in Billericay High Street – most of which are well run – that we are watching and monitoring them as we pride ourselves on keeping our neighbourhoods safe and clean.”

Mr Green has 28 days to formally transfer his licence to a third-party.