I Cryptic 1396 Please Explain This One!

[Gavmacp]

I do rather struggle with this crossword. I cannot fathom how this is broken down.
5a. Afternoon pub staff loosend tie, equivalent to 8 (9). Answer to 8 was Venus so the answer is Aphrodite but rather struggle to see why.

[fiction-factory]

staff is rod, loosened tie is ITE

[fiction-factory]

I. not sure where Aph comes from though

[Mamyalynne]

A PH Rod +tie anag

[Lie-in King]

Aphrodite - 'a(fternoon)' + 'p(ublic) h(ouse)' + 'rod' (staff) + anag 'tie'

[Mamyalynne]

PH - Public House

[fiction-factory]

Is this the exact clue? I'm wondering if teh AP comes from initial letters of the first two words

[Gavmacp]

I think I see it now a for afternoon ph for pub etc. thank you!

[fiction-factory]

Too slow! Thanks folks

[dannyk13]

a.(afternoon) + ph(pub)+ rod(staff) +anagram of tie