City centre bar bar loses licence following police drug search

A Wakefield city centre venue has had its licence revoked following the execution of a warrant at the premises.

Wakefield Council’s Licencing Sub Committee has decided to revoke The Rooftop’s premise licence with immediate effect.

The licencing committee were told that when police executed the warrant in the early hours of 3 March, there were approximately 40 people in the Westgate bar.

A drugs dog indicated about a quarter of those present, including members of staff, could have had recent contact with drugs.

There was also a live performance taking place in the venue that it didn’t hold a licence for.

Following the operation, three people were issued with community resolutions for possession of cocaine.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

Following further enquiries, he was also arrested on suspicion of further drug offences and possession of offensive weapons. He remains on conditional bail while police enquiries continue.

Inspector Paul Fraser, of the Wakefield Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are committed to taking a ‘tackle not tolerate’ approach to any suggestion of criminality in our night-time economy and work with Wakefield Council to ensure that all licensees are operating within the terms of their licence.

“Criminal or anti-social behaviour within one venue has a knock-on effect for other businesses in the area.

“We want Wakefield city centre to be a safe destination for all and would urge anyone with concerns to please report them so that they can be acted on by the police and partners.”