Licence revoked after police find drugs and underage drinkers in Welsh pub

Gwent Police entered The Vanilla Bar in Blackwood on Friday night (17 July) with a drugs warrant and found 35 people under the age of 18 drinking inside the premises – the youngest being 15 years old.

They also found 17 bags of white powder, as well as a block of white powder, steroids and drug paraphernalia at the premises.

Inspector Carl Williams served the licensee with a temporary closure notice, which was extended by Newport Magistrates Court for three months on Monday (20 July).

The court granted that the premises must remain closed for three months. Before the end of the three months, the police will be applying to Caerphilly County Borough Council to hold a Licencing Review Hearing for the premises.

The Licensing Committee can then make a ruling about the future of the premises, which could decide one of the following:

• Revoke the licence completely
• Revoke the licence for a three month period
• Provide the pub with stringent licensing conditions

Gwent Police Officers were also joined by staff from Caerphilly Council Trading Standards, Health and Safety / Environmental Health, the Securities Licensing Authority as well as South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and a drugs dog from South Wales Police to conduct a multi-agency visit.

The premises were found to be in breach of a number of conditions which will also now be considered by the Licensing Review Hearing.

Night Time Economy Officer, PC Adam Lang, said: “I am pleased that the court extended the Closure Notice today until Caerphilly County Borough Council holds a Licencing Review Hearing.

“It is concerning that such a large number of young people were drinking under the age of 18 in the pub, and that drugs were found at the premises.

“We work with licensed premises to ensure that they offer a safe environment for their customers, uphold their licensing conditions and operate within the law. This was clearly not the case with this licensed premise and as such we have taken firm action.”

Inspector Carl Williams, added: “This is a prime example of the police working with our partner agencies to ensure that the night time economy in our local towns operates within the law. I hope this sends out a clear message that we will take action against any premises that refuses to do so.”

Investigations into the drugs found at the premises are on-going.