A GRAYS pub, accused by residents of operating "more like a nightclub than a pub", has been handed a raft of new restrictions following complaints over noise, anti-social behaviour and disorder.

The Bull, in Dock Road, will keep its premises licence after a review by Thurrock Council's licensing sub-committee.

However, councillors agreed to tighten a number of conditions after hearing evidence from residents, Essex Police and the pub's management.

The review was triggered by long-running concerns from nearby residents and a serious fight outside the venue following England's World Cup match against Ghana on June 23.

Residents told the hearing they had endured years of disruption from loud music and late-night activity. One neighbour said they had been unable to open their windows on Friday and Saturday evenings for eight years because of noise coming from the pub.

They said: "Every summer we are unable to have windows open on Friday and Saturday evening due to the noise.

"We have had a noise team and they can repeat the songs word for word. We have had enough of the noise and false promises. This has been going on for eight years."

Other objections included allegations of drug use, under-age drinking and people urinating in the car park.

Several residents argued the venue had moved away from being a traditional public house and was instead operating as a nightclub.

One resident told councillors: "It is not being run as a public house, it's being run as a nightclub."

Concerns were also raised about the size of the venue, with objectors claiming it had expanded significantly over the years and was capable of accommodating hundreds of customers during busy events.

Essex Police said there had been nine reports linked to anti-social behaviour between February and July. Officers backed the proposed changes to the licence, describing them as "a good first step".

Representatives for the pub accepted residents' concerns, apologised for incidents that had occurred and outlined measures already introduced to improve standards.

These included employing door supervisors, upgrading CCTV coverage and implementing additional steps to minimise noise disturbance.

Under the revised licence conditions, the pub's outdoor garden area must close at 10.30pm, with no external speakers permitted and no outdoor screening of televised sporting events.

At least four door supervisors must be on duty whenever the garden is open, while customers will be barred from entering or re-entering the premises after 10.30pm.

Councillors voted to amend the licence and impose the new conditions, which will be formally confirmed in writing within five working days.

All parties retain the right to appeal the decision.