THE Barrhead Hotel was shut down this week in 2003 — and branded a THREAT to the town’s safety.

The Cross Arthurlie Street venue was labelled a public nuisance by police at a dramatic meeting.

The cops presented a four-page bloody and drug-ridden dossier to the council’s licensing board - a summary of the previous six months of shocking activity including assaults and drugs use.

The licence was the first ever to be suspended by the council and it was already a rare move for police to mount an action against a specific pub out of concern for public safety.

After making the presentation Superintendent Stewart Daniels was asked by board member Councillor Allan Steele if the pub was a “continuing sore”.

He said: “That is the case. I am informed that this hotel is regarded as the worst in East Renfrewshire.”

Speaking after the council’s action, Supt Daniels told the Barrhead News: “I’m pleased that the licence board have up-held the complaint by the chief constable.

“Pending appeal, those premises will cease to operate as before. Patrons may choose to frequent other licensed premises in the Barrhead area. It will remain the responsibility to police the area and ensure good order.

“It will also place a responsibility on other licence holders to ensure that they continue to run their premises in a fit and proper manner.”