POLICE have issued a warning to city pubs after the landlords of two popular venues in Exeter had their licences revoked.
The Locomotive Inn in New North Road and the Wells Tavern in Well Street were both targeted by officers in an undercover sting.
Evidence of drug dealing and handling stolen goods were discovered, Exeter City Council's licensing committee hearing heard. It decided last week the two landlords should lose their licence.
Both have 21 days to appeal. If there is no appeal, the pubs have to close for a minimum of 14 days and re-open under a new name and new licensees.
The Wells Tavern, which is run by Punch Taverns, will reopen under new management.
The future of the Locomotive, which is run by Heavitree Breweries, remains unclear. But its owners have confirmed it will be open as normal over Christmas and the new year.
Detective Sergeant Michael Cortese told the hearing the grounds for the review were that "the premises are being used for the handling of stolen property and supply of drugs."
He said a covert operation was run and the committee were told that undercover police officers were offered for sale items of clothing, food and hardware goods that were said to be 'stolen' for sale.
Evidence presented to the committee about the Wells Tavern was that between July 22 and August 19, the sale of one pair of jeans, four large blocks of cheese and five sales of cannabis were made on or just outside the premises in the beer garden.
Allegations made in respect of the Locomotive Inn were that between July 8 and August 12, the sale of eight items of clothing, at least six items of various meat products, two bottles of whisky, one item of hardware and four sales of cannabis were made on or just outside the premises in the beer garden.
DS Cortese said: "Given that in 2014 there has been significant rise in acquisitive crime in Exeter, it is clear the running of (both) premises is contravening the crime and disorder objective in a serious manner."
Supt Keith Perkin, local policing commander for Exeter, East & Mid Devon, said the cases should act as a strong warning to the licensing industry.
He said: "The licensing industry plays a key part in retaining Exeter as a safe and welcoming city. "Last week's licensing hearings were instigated through evidence of poor management of a small number of licensed premises. "The police are committed to working with the licensing trade to provide support when required. However, when we need to help those residents suffering from unruly behaviour and nuisance, or other businesses affected by problem premises, last week's outcomes should be a salutary warning that we will not hesitate to positive action."This could be through licensing laws as demonstrated last week, or new anti social behaviour legislation which has already been used to good effect in the recent closure of a legal high shop."
Graham Crocker, chairman of Heavitree Brewery, which owns the Locomotive Inn, said: "The decision takes 21 days to come into effect while the licensee can consider an appeal. At the moment we don't know what will happen. We fully intend to stay as a pub and the premises is open as usual."
A spokesman for Punch Taverns said: "We can confirm that we are actively seeking to recruit new licensees in conjunction with a full refurbishment, new name and new direction."
The licensee of the Cheers off-licence in Cowick Street also had his licence revoked due to allegations of "handling stolen goods" at the property.
