UK : LDN (E) : Cops go on the buses and close down nightclub

[General Lighting]

blakey (the TV show character( would have loved this... but I bet the essex kids were gutted (not good about the weapons or short measures though...)

definitely a show of strength to show locals that the licensing laws will still be enforced...

Arrests after police raid on club

Seven people were arrested for drugs and alcohol offences in a raid on a nightclub in Romford involving up to 130 police officers.

Two single-decker buses were used to transport police to the Trax club in South Street on Friday night.

Seven men were arrested and suspected drugs, a knife and CS gas canister were found on the premises. Police are due to apply for the venue to be closed under new licensing laws, which came into force on Thursday.

'Weak standards'

The arrests were for various offences including the supply and misuse of drugs, under-age drinking and alcohol-related disorder.
Trading Standards officers were also at the venue to check weights and measures.
Borough Commander, Ch Supt Sultan Taylor, said the raid demonstrated they were not being complacent.
"We continue to step up our enforcement to reduce incidents of alcohol-fuelled violence and disorder in the borough.
"We hope the closure of this popular venue will send out a hard-hitting message straight to the heart of licensed businesses... who must take responsibility for their weak standards in dealing with crime, disorder and drugs misuse on their premises."

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/england/london/4472916.stm

Published: 2005/11/26 13:47:40 GMT

© BBC MMV

[General Lighting]

and two more licensing actions in nearby regions. A bit worrying IMO ; if authorities will treat licensed businesses like this, could be even harsher for unlicensed events...



Pub shut for new licence breach
A village pub which was shut down less than 12 hours after new licensing laws came into effect could remain closed this Christmas and New Year. The Dukes Head in Heath and Reach, Beds, was closed on Friday morning for opening without the new licence.
The pub's landlord told licensing officers he thought a new licence was only needed if the pub planned to extend its opening hours.
It could take up to 56 days for the new licence to be granted.
Under the Licensing Act 2003, all licensed premises had to convert their existing licences to the local authority administered system by 6 August.
If they failed to transfer by that date, they were required to apply for a new licence to stay open after 24 November.
On Thursday, officers removed alcohol from the shelves of Russell Store in Barnhall, Essex, when its owners also failed to apply for the new licence.
Essex councillor Elizabeth Blundell said: "This gives traders and residents a clear message that Colchester Borough Council and the police will not tolerate people flouting the new licensing laws."


Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/england/beds/bucks/herts/4470480.stm

Published: 2005/11/25 14:52:36 GMT

© BBC MMV