A SPORTS bar could lose its licence after a series of violent and disorderly incidents which came to a head when 30 drinkers started fighting.

Councillors have a range of options open to them when they sit to discuss the licence at Cactus Jacks and Sports Bar, in Commercial Street, Darlington.

Police want stringent measures added to the licence. They include:

* installation of a CCTV system;

* participation in the Challenge 21 scheme;

* a licensee present from 7pm until midnight;

* a set number of doormen working every day from 9pm;

* doormen to use counters to ensure the bar does not have too many drinkers;

* a representative to attend pub watch meetings.

Police officers have requested the hearing because of incidents at the bar, including fights and assaults - some carried out by staff - drunkenness, glassing and possession of offensive weapons.

On February 10, police were called to the premises after a complaint about a drunken man who had been thrown out by bouncers. At the same time, a group of 30 males squared up ready for a fight at the bar.

Officers started to deal with the flare-up but three men came from the rear exit bleeding from head wounds.

Four police cars, a police van and two ambulances were then called.

Inspector Steve Brown, licensing officer from Darlington Police, said: "There have been frequent incidences of violence and disorder - more than we would expect at a premises of that size.

"The whole point of the Licensing Act is to work with the licensing trade to clamp down on crime and disorder.

"We are not in a position to try to take away the licences. We want to clamp down on the violence."

A spokesman for Absolute Leisure, which holds the licence for the bar, said: "We are working closely with the police and the council to come up with a solution which everyone is happy with.

"Every condition that the police asked for is now in place and has been for some time."

The licensing hearing will take place tomorrow in Darlington Town Hall.

Councillors can take no action, suspend the licence for up to three months, or revoke it.