THE landlady of a pub near where a man died in an alleged assault must be replaced if it is to remain open, councillors have ordered.

The stipulation that Nicola Dickens leave the Grenadier, in Acklam, Middlesbrough, was made as a condition of it keeping its premises licence.

Spencer Freeman died outside the pub shortly after midnight on Sunday, April 10.

The licensing committee at Middlesbrough Council received 38 letters in support of saving the pub, including one from Mr Spencer’s father, Roy.

Cleveland Police, which initiated the licence review, said stronger management was vital.

Ms Dickens, who was at the meeting, took over the running of the pub four years ago from her mother, who had been in charge for 14 years.

Councillors were told that on the day leading up to Mr Freeman’s death, the pub flouted its licensing laws by opening two hours early at 8am.

CCTV footage, watched by the committee yesterday, showed 29 Middlesbrough football fans drinking pints of lager before travelling to an away match in Sheffield.

Sergeant Paul Higgins said a drugs raid was carried out on the premises on the night of Friday, March 4.

No one was arrested, however five empty plastic bags were found in the male toilets, although the substances were not drug tested.

Sgt Higgins said a meeting was going to be arranged with Miss Dickens to discuss drug deterrents and how anti-social behaviour involving loitering youths could be solved, but Mr Spencer died before it could take place.

Joan Smith, representing Cleveland Police, said: “It (the Grenadier) needs a new designated premises supervisor and a stronger person in charge.”

As well as insisting on the landlady’s removal, the licensing committee, chaired by Councillor Bernie Taylor, also stipulated that CCTV cameras focusing on the bar must be installed and regular drug checks carried out in the toilets.

John Coen, representing Punch Taverns, which owns the pub, said: “We expressed condolences to Mr Freeman’s family. Clearly a very tragic incident occurred.”

􀁧 Aaron Hayes, 19, who is accused of killing Mr Freeman, will return to Teesside Crown Court on June 28 when he will enter a plea to a charge of manslaughter.