Bar loses licence over ‘serious crime’ fears
CANNABIS PLANTS FOUND DURING POLICE RAID
A BAR has been stripped of its licence after police raised concerns it was associated with serious crime.
Sumo, in Braunstone Gate, Leicester, will not be allowed to reopen when the coronavirus restrictions would otherwise allow it, after officers sought a review of its licence.
Police asked councillors to look at the way the venue was being managed after they raided it in October and found it was being used for a large marijuana growing operation.
Leicester City Council held a review hearing last week, where licensing committee members heard evidence from the police and representatives of the venue.
The online hearing was carried out behind closed doors because of the continued police investigation into the cannabis find, which saw 1,500 plants and growing equipment seized.
A council spokesman said: “The council’s licensing sub-committee, having heard representations from all parties, decided to revoke the premises’ licence and remove the designated premises supervisor from the venue’s licence.
“The sub-committee concluded
The sub-committee concluded the premises had failed to uphold its licensing objectives
the premises had failed to uphold its licensing objectives, particularly relating to the prevention of crime and disorder. “In reaching its decision, the subcommittee considered information it had received from the police and the council’s noise and pollution team.”
The police said it had been “proportionate to review the licence of the premises” following the discovery of the cannabis.
A 47-year-old man and 44-yearold woman have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis and possessing criminal property.
Two 19-year-old women and a 58-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of possessing criminal property.
All those arrested have been released under investigation pending further inquiries.
The Mercury has contacted Sumo for comment.
The venue has until January 6 to appeal against the revocation of its licence.
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City council spokesman