A Surbiton bar has seen its licence suspended for two weeks and its premises supervisor removed from her role.

Vinoteque, in Claremont Road, was hauled before Kingston Council by police after a string of breaches that culminated on New Year's Eve when officers shut down a late-running party.

Patrons had written to police ahead of the hearing to praise the work of supervisor Larisa Noaca in creating a "positive [and] welcoming vibe" in a previously unpopular location.

The ruling by councillors yesterday morning is subject to appeal within 21 days after written notification is served.

Miss Noaca said she will remain as manager and that she plans to use the two-week closure to refurbish the bar.

She added: "It's going to take a long time to change all the bad reputation from before.

"We're a different way. I'm working 24 hours [a day] making sure everything is alright. It's not easy."

Surrey Comet:

Claremont Road. Picture: Jon Sharman

Councillor Andrew Day, vice-chairman of the council's licensing sub-committee, said: "I know she is doing her best and we don't want to be complete killjoys."

The bar's opening hours have also been cut, meaning it will have to close at midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.

Staff must also be given extra training.

PC Jim Hartland, from Kingston police's licensing team, said: "We had tried hard to work with the existing premises supervisor at this venue to ensure they operated within the law.

"However, despite our efforts, the management blatantly ignored their licensing conditions, trading after hours.

"As such we were left with little choice but to take the premises to review. We are satisfied with the outcome."