Wolverhampton pub Bond Street Tavern has licence revoked after trouble
A pub where police seized 'copious' amounts of cannabis and two knives has had its licence revoked.
The Bond Street Tavern, in Bond Street, Wolverhampton city centre, will have to shut down unless it successfully appeals the decision.
A review of the pub's licence was held following an application by West Midlands Police, which claimed activity at the pub posed a 'serious risk to public safety'.
Officers raided the pub on February 11 and seized the cannabis, some of which was in dealer wraps, in addition to a coconut which had been made into a bong.
Two lock knives were recovered and a trace of cocaine was found on a table.
A three-member sub-committee of Wolverhampton Council heard evidence from the police and the premises licence holder, Derrick Minott, before deciding to revoke the licence on Thursday.
Mr Minott has 21 days to appeal the decision during which time the pub can remain open.
The sub-committee heard how problems at the pub with drugs and violence pre-dated Mr Minott becoming the sole licence holder at the start of the year.
Evidence was given by the police about two incidents of alleged violence in or near the pub since the February raid.
Sara Goodwin, on behalf of the council, said: "We recognise that the problems were present before the current licence holder was in post.
"We have heard how the current licence holder has worked to implement a more robust search procedure.
"We understand that the licence holder cannot be responsible for events that occur outside of the premises.
"However, we conclude that on the balance of probabilities, to prevent crime and disorder, and in keeping with the licensing objectives, the licence should be revoked."
Mr Heath Thomas, representing Mr Minott, said his client had since put in place an 'airport style' system of searching people entering the pub.
Mr Charles Streeten, for the police, argued: "Anything other than revoking the licence would be like attaching a band aid to a very deep wound."
The pub previously gained an unwanted reputation as The Greyhound, which had its licence revoked in June 2013.
Speaking after the decision to revoke the pub's licence, Mr Minott said: "It's just one of those things. We're waiting for the paperwork to come through now before we decide what steps to take in the future."
