A LANDLADY is allowed to re-open a Blackwood pub closed down by police after a brawl between two gangs, Cwmbran magistrates decided yesterday.

But licensee Susan Brookes must ensure the Monkey Tree pub in Gordon Road complies with three conditions, they decided.

More than 50 people were involved in the brawl at the pub on Sunday, at a time when a wedding party was staying at the hotel. Police shut the premises that night until 8pm yesterday.

Magistrates agreed it could be re-opened until the next sitting of the licensing committee, to take place within 28 days, when licensing officials will then decide what to do with the pub after that.

Inspector Alan Webber, of Newbridge police station, told magistrates: "There was a violent altercation at the pub, primarily between two gangs of men.

"The licensee and her staff were unable to cope and they phoned the police for assistance.

ent because there was entertainment taking place, in the form of karaoke. The families included young children."

Inspector Webber told the court the pub's CCTV system was quite restricted and did not catch all of the incident on tape.

The conditions magistrates imposed included the requirement that more CCTV cameras were put in place, both inside and outside the pub.

Police also requested that no children under 16 be allowed on the premises after 8pm, unless they are residents.

The third condition was that two Security Industry Authority (SIA) approved door staff be on duty at the pub after 7pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and at bank holiday weekends.

Mrs Brookes agreed with all the conditions. Her solicitor, William Freeman, said: "We think they would be quite sensible. The children who were present at the pub were part of a wedding party that was in the hotel, and were staying as residents."

Chairman of the bench Anthony Williams imposed the order that the pub would be closed until the three conditions were met, under Section 165 of the Licensing Act.

Police are still investigating the brawl.