Ross-on-Wye pub loses licence after drug raid

A prominent Herefordshire pub has had its licence withdrawn following a drugs raid by police.

Four men were arrested for drugs offences at the Crown & Sceptre in Ross-on-Wye last month. The historic pub then had its alcohol licence suspended as an interim step.

A follow-up meeting of Herefordshire Council’s licensing subcommittee on December 21, from which press and public were excluded and some documents restricted, then decided to revoke the licence.

Minutes of the meeting show that councillors heard representations from police licensing officer PC Dean Wall, James Noble of Stankerr Pubs representing the premises licence holder, and council officers.

The committee said it recognised officers’ concern “that Michael Hudson continues to be in occupation [of the pub]”, in coming to its decision to revoke the Crown & Sceptre’s licence.

Dating from the 17th century, the pub by the town’s Market House previously hosted frequent live music, DJ and open mic nights.