Bar facing review of its licence over crime fears
POLICE WANT HEARING AFTER CANNABIS PLANTS FOUND INSIDE
POLICE are looking to get a bar stripped of its licence because they believe it is associated with serious crime.
Officers have asked Leicester City Council to review the licence of Sumo, in Braunstone Gate, after finding a huge haul of cannabis plants in the premises earlier this month.
The city council confirmed the venue – which is closed because of the national lockdown – has had its licence temporarily suspended pending a hearing next month.
A council notice has been placed outside Sumo saying: “In the opinion of a senior police officer of Leicestershire Constabulary, the premises are associated with serious crime or disorder or both.”
A police spokeswoman said: “Following the recent discovery of cannabis plants at a premises in Braunstone Gate, it has been deemed proportionate to review the licence of the premises.”
The Mercury has contacted Sumo for comment.
A city council spokeswoman said: “The premises licence has been suspended pending a full review hearing next month.” At that hearing the police will present evidence to councillors and may seek to get the bar’s licence permanently revoked. Representatives of the venue will be invited to give evidence.
The police have said they were tipped off about a suspected cannabis-growing operation in Sumo and raided the premises on Tuesday, November 17.
At that point they recovered about 1,500 of the class B category plants.
Police said a man and two women had been arrested on suspicion of producing cannabis and possession of criminal property.
They have been released under investigation.
Officers are still appealing for information that would help their investigation.
Anyone who can help should call police on 101.
In the opinion of a senior police officer, the premises are associated with serious crime or disorder or both Council notice