Illegal gambling and theft allegations could see Wolverhampton pub lose its licence

Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, Chris Sims, asked Wolverhampton Council to reconsider the licence of the Kings Arms, in Wolverhampton, after a spate of incidents.

His application against the pub, in Dudley Road, Blakenhall, will be considered by councillors on Wednesday.

In a report to the council's licensing sub-committee, Mr Sims said licensee Balraj Singh Thumber took over the pub on September 10, 2013.

Mr Sims said officers were called to the pub on September 28 last year following reports of a fight. An injured person was spotted outside the pub, and officers noted that drinks were still being served outside licensing hours, it is alleged.

The following month, two men working in the kitchen area were detained by immigration officers.

During another visit on November 7, police and council officials were accompanied by engineers from Western Power, who observed that the electricity meter had been tampered with.

It was also noted that there were two gas meters at the premises, one which was not connected. The electricity supply was cut off and the spare meter seized by police.

The next day an engineer from Scottish Power noted that the gas meter was not the correct one for the building, and was also leaking gas.

In January , it was reported that the gas supply had been illegally reconnected, with another unauthorised gas meter fitted. Environmental health official Jayne Freeman-Evans said the pub was also being investigated by the Gambling Commission after five unlicensed gambling machines were found.

Elaine Morton, a licensing officer at Wolverhampton Council, said: "The issues raised by police relate to theft, immigration and use of illegal gambling machines," she said. "This shows a blatant disregard to the licensing objectives. Councillors may conclude it is necessary to suspend or revoke the license due to the serious nature of the criminal activity at the premises."