Football legend George Best faces an alcohol ban in the pub where he started drinking again less than a year after his life-saving liver transplant.

Landlord Mark Noble-Campbell, of the Chequers, in Walton on the Hill, Tadworth, Surrey, said he would only serve Best mineral water in future.

Earlier, a spokesman for the brewery which runs the pub had disclosed that Best had been drinking white wine in the pub for "some months".

Yesterday, the former Manchester United star cuddled and kissed wife Alex as the pair sunbathed on the lawn of their cottage in nearby Upper Gatton.

Best, 57, was arrested in the pub at the weekend following a reported scuffle with a newspaper photographer, before later being released without charge.

His wife was said to be "absolutely furious" with the Chequers for serving him alcohol.

Mr Noble-Campbell said: "George is still most welcome in the pub whenever he wants to, and he is a valued customer, but we will only be serving George mineral water."

"We want to to try to look after George and make sure he gets back to top health."

Best's agent, Phil Hughes, said Best had not been staying at the couple's home over the weekend but had returned yesterday morning.

"George will be visiting the doctors once he has had a chance to have a chat to his wife about what has been going on for the last couple of days," said Mr Hughes.

Meanwhile, the doctor who supervised Best's transplant insisted he was a "worthwhile" candidate for a new liver.

Last year, Best said he had abandoned drink for ever after undergoing the transplant with only weeks to live.

Professor Roger Williams, a consultant hepatologist, said he thought Best's recent behaviour could be a temporary lapse from which he should be able to recover.