Police call for pub licence review after drugs haul

Surrey Police says officers found bags of cocaine and money in the pub

A pub in Surrey could have its licence suspended after police found bags of cocaine and an amount of cash on the premises.

Surrey Police requested the removal of the designated premises supervisor of The Marquis of Granby, in Redhill, and the suspension of the pub’s licence for up to three months.

In a report to Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, the force said "the licensing objectives for the prevention of crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm, have been undermined”.

It said the three-month licence suspension would allow owners Star Pubs to introduce a new manager, review the pub’s security and implement a number of other licence conditions.

Since May 2020, the council has received six complaints about the pub. Four relate to noise from the premises, one to food hygiene and one was a reported violation of covid lockdown.

Officers searched the pub on 30 May. No arrests have been made.

Surrey Police said in its licence application request that, if the licence was to be reinstated, CCTV cameras must be installed at the pub, covering all areas in which alcohol is consumed.

The force also said staff should receive training every six months, a record must be kept every time someone is refused alcohol, a Challenge 21 or Challenge 25 alcohol ID policy should be implemented and the pub should have a drugs policy which has been approved by the premises licence holder.

The licence review application will go before the council on 8 August.

A spokesperson for Star Pubs said: "Although Star Pubs owns The Marquis of Granby, it is leased to an independent operator to run as their own business.

"As such, they are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the pub.

"We are currently awaiting the outcome of the police investigation regarding the pub and have not been made aware that the designated premises supervisor has been charged."