Norwich pub works with police

Peter WalshA pub which was raided by police following concerns about drugs is now working with police to combat problem punters and anti-social behaviour.Peter Walsh

A pub which was raided by police following concerns about drugs is now working with police to combat problem punters and anti-social behaviour.

As previously reported, two people were arrested in relation to drugs offences at the Firs pub in Cromer Road, Hellesdon, as officers executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act in March.

A member of the staff at the premises was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply controlled drugs, while another male was also arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

But following the raid, on Friday, March 20, staff at the pub have done all they can to clean up its image and are now working with police, and taking measures like installing CCTV, to ensure there is no repeat of the problems.

A spokeswoman for Enterprise Inns, which owns the pub, said: 'We are working with the police and licensing authority to provide a safer environment at the Firs public house.

'We hope to modernise the conditions of the premises license to promote the four licensing objectives, including CCTV, 'Think 25', enhanced drugs policy and participation in the 'Nightsafe Scheme''.

Launched last year, the hard-hitting Nightsafe scheme aims to reduce alcohol-fuelled crime by banning unruly drinkers from licensed premises in the city for six months.

As part of the initiative profiles and pictures of drunken louts who play up will be instantly uploaded to a secure website accessible to all members registered to the scheme and licensees and their staff will have the power to ban troublemakers. Once given a red card the person will be barred from all the premises signed up to the scheme.

A spokeswoman for Norfolk police said: 'We are committed to working with licensed premises to address identified problems. Regular contact with licensees allows them reasonable opportunity to address policing concerns. Formal reviews of any premises license can be requested if problems persist and we take our lead on this based on local community concerns.

'The use of CCTV, a 'Challenge 25' Policy and a publicised zero tolerance approach to drug use combined with participation in the Norfolk Nightsafe scheme demonstrates a licensed premises' intention to meet the Licensing Objectives and the Constabulary are supportive of this approach.'

The Evening News through our Love Your Local campaign has been highlighting the need for punters to return to pubs which have been hit hard by the recession.

For more stories about our campaign visit the website www.eveningnews24.co.uk click on campaigns and then Love Your Local.

Have you got a story for the campaign? Call reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk