Licensing bosses shut pub at centre of drug operation

The pair from the Timber Dock pub, on Hull’s Victoria Dock estate, were among nine men held following the long-running Humberside Police drug inquiry.

The pub promotes itself as a business and family-friendly venue.

Eight of the men appeared at magistrates on Saturday including landlord George Rowley, 23, who is charged with two counts of supplying cocaine. Chef Christopher Coles, 26, was charged with supplying cocaine and offering to supply ecstasy. A ninth man from Gravesend appeared before magistrates on Monday charged with counterfeiting.

They have all been remanded to appear at Hull Crown Court tomorrow.

The pub was closed using an emergency licensing order at the force’s request. It will be reviewed in mid-June.

Chairman of the licensing committee at Hull Council Coun Nadine Fudge said: “The police asked for a 14-day suspension while investigations were going on and there were people in custody and they want CCTV cameras putting up.

“The brewery owners were quite happy with that. We found no reason to challenge it.”

Regulars described the closure of the pub, the only one on the estate, as a great loss. On its website it invites locals – and people heading to Holland or Belgium on the ferries to drop in, adding: “Come for a business lunch, watch Sky Sports on our three plasma screens or watch your kids in our safe children’s play area whilst relaxing in the beer garden.”