'Sinister' cocaine-stuffed Kinder Eggs push pub close to licence loss

A string of "sinister" Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs near Jono's bar in Kingsbury, London, led Brent Council to approve police requests for additional licensing conditions at the venue.

Discoveries of Kinder Eggs filled with cocaine have been ongoing for the past year. In March, police confiscated one from a man who was walking towards the pub who had it hidden in his underpants, while more were found hidden in bricks in November. 

And, this month, the eggs were found on people who were "acting suspiciously" near the pub.

Turned a blind eye

Officers said the pub had turned a "blind eye" to drug dealing.

The pub was ordered by Brent Council's alcohol and entertainment licensing sub-committee to improve security by alarming its doors, use doormen, carry out regular toilet checks and keep a detailed log.

Brent Council's cabinet member responsible for licencing James Denselow said: "Using children's confectionery to conceal illegal, Class A substances is an extremely sinister and shocking thing to do, so I am, of course, delighted that the committee has taken action to help ensure that this kind of activity by individuals at Jono's bar is stamped out for good."

Further action

To avoid further legal action, Jono's must also display proper signage of its no-drugs policy and staff were told to undertake training to help ensure the prevention of crime and disorder.

"We are committed to making Brent a safer borough and we will not hesitate to take further action should these new licence conditions be breached or this criminal activity continue at the pub," Denselow added.

In its application to the local licensing committee calling for the review, the Metropolitan Police explained the force was also once called to an incident involving "40 males fighting in the pub", in which glass doors were smashed, a man was glassed and another hit over the head with a stool.

'No faith'

Police wrote to Brent Council, stating: "As a result of several incidents, police have no faith in the ability of the management to operate the premise responsibly under the current authority and, therefore, wish to bring the matter before the sub-committee for consideration. 

"Police are primarily concerned with the severity of the crime and disorder occurring from the venue as a result of complete disregard of the existing conditions."

The new security measures ordered are part of 12 additional conditions to the pub's licence, which were requested by police.