A SALTCOATS pub has been praised by licensing chiefs for their robust security - after a punter was attacked earlier this year.

Bar One were called before the North Ayrshire Licensing Board on Monday, June 13, for a review hearing following a complaint by a man who was assaulted in the Vernon Street bar on Sunday, March 27.

He made a review application to the Licensing Board following the incident.

Councillors were shown CCTV footage from the incident which showed the victim calling over his soon-to-be attacker.

Representing the bar alongside Hayley Kean and Miriam Wylie, Brian McMahon said things took an unsavoury turn almost immediately.

He said: “What you see on the CCTV is someone walking up, he (the victim) puts his right hand round the man and he’s punched.

“The man who punched him claimed he, how can I put this? Grabbed him by the balls or cupped him in the groin area.

“He receives one punch to the side of his head and I have to admit it is a very severe blow and knocks him onto the floor.”

Mr McMahon said Ms Kean “reacted immediately” to the situation, removing the attacker from the pub, calling in a door steward to assist with security, calling the police and eventually closing the bar.

All of this was backed up by CCTV footage.

Mr McMahon said it was clear on the night that the attacker was upset by his actions but is now barred from the premises.

Councillor Donald Reid said: “To have a steward on a Sunday is to your benefit and I move that we find no case to answer.”

Fellow Councillor Ronnie McNicol added: “It’s a well-run premises. It was dealt with properly and we should just note it.”

Licensing Board Chair, Councillor Ian Clarkson, said: “Well done for acting the way you did on the night.”