A pub in West Bromwich which claimed to sell the cheapest beer in the country faces having its opening hours slashed after complaints about drug-taking.

The Marksman in Carters Green sold pints for 45p and is one of the town’s most popular nightspots.

But police today said they wanted it to close early and for the owners to employ full-time toilet attendants to stop people taking drugs.

Insp Pat Smythe, West Midlands Police licensing chief for Sandwell, said: “We are looking at asking for the Marksman to close at 1am instead of 2.30am.

“There are a lot of young people who go there and there is a high level of drug taking. The smoking area at the side is also causing problems because people are able to pass drugs there.

“With the pub closing so late there is a stampede of people down the road to the Explosion nightclub where last entry is 3am.”

He said The Marksman’s bosses were “completely disregarding any responsible drinking.” In December pub owner Belal Hussain started giving away free spirits for one hour over weekends in a move dubbed “irresponsible” by licensing chiefs.

Last year he offered the cheapest lager at 45p. Mr Hussain was unavailable for comment today. The hearing will take place next month.