A WOODBRIDGE pub has been told to control the number of people coming through its doors - or face the possible loss of its licence.An inspection at The Cross pub - on the corner of The Thoroughfare and Church Street - found there were 70 per cent more people inside which experts said could have put customers at risk if there was a fire.

A WOODBRIDGE pub has been told to control the number of people coming through its doors - or face the possible loss of its licence.

An inspection at The Cross pub - on the corner of The Thoroughfare and Church Street - found there were 70 per cent more people inside which experts said could have put customers at risk if there was a fire.

Licensee Collin Dagnall has now been instructed from October 19 he must have two officially trained door supervisors to control the numbers entering the pub on Friday and Saturday nights, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, or when there is a pre-planned event.

No new customers will be allowed in after 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights, and a series of monthly checks will be carried out and recorded to monitor health and safety issues.

Gary Phillips, deputy fire officer, said: “With almost 70pc more people in the pub than allowed, everyone was put at real risk of harm if there had been a fire.

“This was a serious breach of the rules and I am pleased that the panel has taken steps to stop it happening again.

“There were around 100 people in The Cross at the time officers carried out their inspection.

“There should have been no more than 60 including staff. It is now up to the licensee to ensure he complies with the new conditions of his licence.”

The licence was reviewed by Suffolk Coastal's licensing panel, which heard evidence from the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and others agencies about their concerns after a visit to the pub in May.

Mr Dagnall was not available to comment.

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