A pub has closed for the safety of its staff after claiming an event by a political party was booked under "false pretences". 

The View Bar said UKIP leader Nick Tenconi and members are not welcome to their venue ahead of Tenconi’s planned talk, which has now been axed.

The event sparked outroar from anti-racism campaigners, who previously announced a protest in a nearby car park tonight.

Now, the bar on Thornhill Road will lose a day of business.

Staff at the bar said the booking, made by the political group, was “not truthful” and booked under the guise of being an ‘annual get together’.

Posting on social media, staff said: “We do not have any political stance at The View Bar Southampton.

“And this was booked under false pretences, and they are not welcome to our venue.

“We have made every effort in contact the person who booked this function and we have cancelled this event.

“There will be no function/rally - or however they are phrasing it - this evening.”

READ MORE: Protestors to rally as UKIP leader brings tour to Southampton

They added: “After many discussions, we have decided not to open for the safety of our staff and regulars. We wish to reiterate that we do not take any political stance.

“We apologise for any inconvenience.

“Well done for closing an independent pub for a day in struggling times.”

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary confirmed advice has been offered to those at The View, but the venue was not told to cancel the event or close for the day.

A spokesperson from the force added: “We have been in contact with the venue this morning regarding this event, as we would do as part of our ongoing relationship with any licensed premises that may be the host of any potentially high-profile event.”

Group leaders at Southampton Stand Up To Racism announced they will be holding a counter mobilisation at 6pm tonight in the nearby Dunkirk car park.

The group described Tenconi as an “anti-Muslim, anti-migrant bigot”.

People are still expected to attend the rally, despite the cancellation of the event at The View.

And Tenconi still plans on visiting Southampton, with a spokesperson from UKIP saying: “As the venue which was going to host our UKIP meeting tonight has cancelled due to pressure, our leader Nick Tenconi and a team of activists will meet the counter protesters at their muster point around 6.45pm on Dunkirk Road.”