Royal Mortar pub in Colchester gets ban amid drugs probe

Essex Police revealed four men and two women are in custody for questioning on suspicion of being concerned in drugs supply after a series of raids this morning.

Officers from Essex Police Serious Violence Unit, Colchester Community Policing Team, North Disruptor Team and Operational Support Group executed warrants across the town as part of a pre-planned operation to disrupt the supply of cocaine.

Today’s strike comes after nine people were charged with drug offences on Friday as a result of a number of warrants being carried out in the early hours of Thursday morning.

READ MORE: The people charged after drugs raids in Colchester

As a result of the investigation, police submitted a licensing review application for the Royal Mortar pub, in Military Road.

It will be heard and decided upon by Colchester Council.

The council confirmed the pub's licence has been suspended following an emergency meeting of the authority's licensing sub committee.

A full hearing before the committee will take place in mid-January to consider next steps. 

The Leather Bottle, in Shrub End Road, had its licence suspended last week, following a similar emergency meeting.

Councillor Darius Laws, councillor responsible for economy, business and heritage, said: “We have taken swift and decisive action, based on the evidence shown to us today by the police regarding the alleged illegal activity that had been potentially going on at the Royal Mortar pub. 

“Due to the seriousness of the investigation, we convened a meeting of the Licensing sub committee to look at what steps we could take.

"As with the Leather Bottle last week, we cannot condone the kind of activities that appear to have taken place and have taken strong but appropriate steps while we look fully at all the information and make a decision on the long-term licence.” 

READ MORE: Colchester pub BANNED from selling alcohol amid drug-driven violence investigation

The decision follows police action relating to the premises as part of an investigation into drug-driven violence in the town.

Police carry out drugs raids at an address in Colchester last week

Councillor Beverley Oxford, councillor responsible for communities, added: “The action taken by the police and our committee again today shows the ongoing commitment we have to protecting those looking for an enjoyable time out.

"We will continue to take action against those who potentially seek to undermine it.” 

The council said the date for licencing reviews at both pubs will be set "shortly".

Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston, Colchester District Commander, said: “As I said last week, the operation to target drug supply and associated violence is an ongoing one and, like our action on Thursday, enforcement is a key part of that.

“This operation is ongoing and aims to tackle what we believe has led to a rise in violent incidents in Colchester since the Covid restrictions were lifted earlier this year and our night-time economy re-opened.

“We have a commitment to keep our town, residents and visitors safe and action such as today is just one part of that.”

Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford said: “Drugs are not welcome in our towns and cities in Essex, and we make no apology for pursuing those who we believe are intent on supplying them.

“To those people who believe it’s OK to sell drugs, it is not. They destroy communities and lead to serious violence, and we will not tolerate it.”