A BAR where Saints’ Sia Soliola suffered serious facial injuries in an alleged assault has had its licence suspended, the St Helens Star can reveal.

St Helens Council's Licensing Sub Committee has taken action with immediate effect against the Imperial Bar, an Ormskirk Street.

Soliola, the 25-year-old Kiwi international, was found bleeding heavily outside the town centre venue in the early hours of Monday.

Senior police officers subsequently submitted a request for a summary review of the bar’s premises licence after expressing concern it was associated with "serious violent crime and disorder".

They highlighted a series of violent flashpoints and public order incidents at the bar since October 2010, culminating in a serious alleged assault on Monday, March 12.

The committee’s decision was taken pending a full review hearing that is due to take place on April 11, 2012.

Speaking immediately after the meeting, Cllr Terry Shields, chair of the sub committee, stated: “The sub committee were extremely concerned about the number of alleged incidents associated with the premises since 2010, which have now been brought to our attention by the Police through this summary review application.

“We also have serious concerns about the management's ability to operate the premises in accordance with the licensing objectives.”

In a statement, St Helens Council added: “The licence will remain suspended until the full review hearing on 11 April 2012, though the licence holder does have an opportunity in the meantime to make representations against these interim steps taken by the sub committee.”

The committee also voted to remove from the licence the designated premises supervisor who authorises alcohol sales and is responsible for day to day management of the premises.

Three men - a 32-year-old from Speke, a 23-year-old from Lymm and a 24-year-old from Chester - were arrested on suspicion of assault and violent disorder at the Imperial in the early hours of Monday morning. They have since been bailed pending further enquiries.