The manager of a County Durham pub has pledged to increase staffing and introduce tighter security measures after a man suffered life-changing injuries in a "sustained, violent and entirely unprovoked" assault.
Ross Ainsley, manager of the King's Head in Cockfield, said he was committed to learning from the incident and taking "all reasonable steps" to prevent a similar attack.
The pub's premises licence was suspended with immediate effect by Durham County Council's licensing sub-committee following the incident on July 25.
A hearing at County Hall was told the victim was repeatedly pushed before being struck several times to the head and face with a drinking glass.
The King's Head pub in Cockfield, County Durham, faces a full licensing review after the incident in July.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
He suffered a broken nose, a jaw fractured in two places and a ruptured tendon in his hand, and required reconstructive surgery.
Licensing Sergeant Caroline Dickenson said the incident was made more serious because the man's young son witnessed the attack.
"The child witnessed his father being subjected to the sustained, violent attack during which he saw his dad receive facial injuries," she said.
"Such was the severity of the attack that the child attempted to intervene by using a pool cue in an effort to protect his father."
Police are continuing to investigate the assault.
Durham Police said on August 1 that a suspect had been identified and attempts would be made to arrest them. The Northern Echo has contacted the force for an update.
In a statement ahead of a full licensing review on August 24, Mr Ainsley said the pub would have two additional members of staff working during busy periods and key events.
He also pledged to improve staff vigilance, refuse service to intoxicated or aggressive customers and challenge unacceptable behaviour at an early stage.
Staff would be instructed to ask people to leave where necessary and contact police immediately if a situation developed beyond what they could safely manage.
Mr Ainsley said CCTV would be actively monitored, with a live display installed behind the bar so staff could view key areas of the premises.
He also promised refresher training in conflict management, responsible alcohol retailing and licensing responsibilities, alongside regular team briefings.
"I also hold my own Personal Licence and would be happy to have it transferred to The King's Head," he said.
"This may avoid any unnecessary delays caused by trying to contact the current Personal Licence Holder."
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Mr Ainsley said the measures would provide "clear and effective management" of the pub.
He added: "The safety of our customers, staff and the wider community is my highest priority.
"I am committed to learning from this incident and taking all reasonable steps to ensure that similar situations are prevented in the future."