A central Brighton pub could lose its alcohol licence after a brawl uncovered drug issues at the venue.
Sussex Police have called for a review of The Kings Arms’ licence in George Street, after a fight on September 25 resulted in two men being charged with assaulting a police officer.
The grounds for the summary review are that police believe the premises is “associated with serious crime and disorder”.
A report released ahead of a Brighton and Hove City Council licensing review on Tuesday October 20 lists a series of issues police have had with the pub since May 2025.
The venue, owned by the Craft Union Pub Company, is currently unable to sell alcohol as it has no designated premises supervisor (DPS).
The previous DPS, Gary Wilson, was “removed by the premises licence holder” following the force’s request for a review.
Included in the papers is Superintendent James Collen’s application for the review which said an “altercation” began inside the venue.
Supt Collen said: “We appreciate that incidents inside licensed venues will occur. However, this one was particularly violent and could in our opinion have been easily prevented.
“From viewing the CCTV it is clear that intoxication levels from alcohol and controlled drugs in all probability were high.
“When there was an early opportunity to ask the main instigator to leave following a low-level altercation, this did not happen.”
Supt Collen confirmed there were signs of drug use with “baggies” found in the men’s toilets, along with “hideouts” for drugs and positive drug testing on various surfaces.
A personal amount of cannabis was found hidden on top of a urinal cistern in the men’s toilets.
The morning after the incident, Sussex Police licensing officers carried out swab readings throughout the pub, with the results redacted in the report.
The report said: “Whilst carrying out drugs swabbing at the premises, the officers located a number of used deal baggies with trace amounts of white powder.
“They also located a personal use amount of what was believed to be cannabis stashed on top of the urinal cisterns in the male toilets.
“A shopping list was also located on the back of a Ladbrokes slip which included the items ‘Coke – 4 grams’ and ‘or an 8 ball’ – both believed to be drug references.”
A full licensing check carried out on Monday September 28 found issues with both parts of the licence.
One part was not displayed in a prominent place, and the DPS’s address was not correct.
The CCTV was also running seven minutes fast, which had been identified as a problem the business needed to address during a licensing check on May 14, 2025.
Licence conditions required The Kings Arms to employ a mobile support unit when SIA registered door staff are not on duty.
However, there was no mobile support unit contract in place.
The pub did have a Business Crime Reduction Partnership radio but there was no power to the base station and the radio was out of battery.
Wesley Douglas, 55, of Ashton Rise, Brighton, and Oliver Rowsell, 21, of Bowring Way, Brighton, have been charged with assaulting a police officer on Friday September 25.
They are due to appear before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on December 18.
Previous incidents at The Kings Arms listed in the report include allegations of a fight on Friday May 16, 2025.
On Wednesday May 21, 2025, a regular was spotted with a white substance on his nose and initially refused to leave after a drug wipe turned positive, but left after security staff became involved and was later banned.
A report of harrassment was made by the previous DPS in July 2025 against the banned individual.
On Sunday December 7, a “problem person” was reported inside the venue and police were called after she left and returned to “throw chicken” at the pub.
On Sunday March 29, a drunk individual who had been ejected from the pub claimed he had been assaulted.
On Monday March 30 Sussex Police received intelligence of drug dealing outside the pub.
On Friday May 8 a person who works nearby reported clientèle at the pub making racially motivated comments.
On Friday July 17 police were called to a hate crime and common assault.
The report from Sgt Mark Redbourn said: “Without strong and consistent management, it appears that customers have been able to deal and
take drugs within the premises.
“There is also evidence on two occasions in the last six months where customers who have been removed from the premises due to intoxication have continued to cause issues for police and ambulance services hours after they have attended The Kings Arms.
“This use of valuable resources could have been prevented if interventions had been made at an earlier point within the premises e.g. not allowing these customers to become intoxicated.”
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A post on the pub’s Facebook page, believed to be written by Mr Wilson said: “So for a little over six months, we had a blast. Got the place rocking and rolling.
“Had some great nights. I was lucky enough to meet some fabulous people. Had some awesome staff and made some proper friends.
“But now the adventure is over. Through no real fault of my own but it is what it is. I will miss you people of Brighton.
“You guys make The Kings Arms the very special place that it is. Peace and love to all of you. Hopefully see you soon.”
The virtual hearing is due to take place at 10 am on Tuesday October 20.
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