A COLCHESTER pub which was stripped of its alcohol licence due to concerns it was at the “heart of a large scale cocaine business” has pledged to clamp down on drugs in a fresh application.

Drug dealers unwittingly sold cocaine to undercover police officers at The Leather Bottle in Shrub End who had been deployed there to disrupt the supply of Class A drugs.

According to an Essex Police report, cocaine was used in plain sight and officers deployed to the pub between June and November last year bought drugs several times.

But now the venue’s landlord has applied to have its licence reinstated amid a bid to resume selling alcohol on and off the premises.

They sent a detailed list of conditions to licensing bosses at Colchester Council, which stated it will approve them so long as there are no objections before April 1.

Read more: Colchester pub BANNED from selling alcohol amid drug-driven violence investigation

The landlord pledged to have an action plan to manage drug related incidents, which will be capable of being produced on request.

They will maintain a drug safe at the premises for the purpose of safely storing confiscated illegal drugs and will liaise with Essex Police to arrange the safe disposal of the contents of the safe.

Furthermore, the landlord stated they will install and maintain a “comprehensive CCTV system” and all sales of alcohol for consumption off the premises shall be in sealed containers only.

A pledge was made that no customers should be served by anyone other than official bar staff and the pub says it will join the local pub watch or an appropriate crime reduction scheme.

Read more: Hospital trust bans visitors in dramatic U-turn announcement

It will also shut its car park half an hour after closing and half an hour before opening.

Colchester Council approved these conditions, among others, and is now set to reinstate the pub’s licence on April 1, so long as there are no objectors.

It also means live and recorded music indoors will be allowed from 10am to midnight, Sundays to Wednesdays, and from 10am to 1pm, Thursdays to Saturdays.

Provision of late night refreshment from 11am to midnight, Sundays to Wednesdays, and from 11pm to 1am from Thursdays to Sundays will also be permitted.