Pub shut after raid police find illegal gambling room

Calderdale Council’s licensing sub-committee yesterday suspended the licence of the Last Chance Saloon in Cross Street, Halifax, which only opened in June.

Members acted quickly following the raid on Thursday night in which a small quantity of cannabis was discovered along with an unlicensed gambling room.

Councillors agreed to an application by West Yorkshire Police for a review of a premises licence under section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003. The application was received from West Yorkshire Police on Friday.

Members agreed to the suspension, pending determination of a full review of the premises licence, which must be held within 28 days of receipt of the application.

The suspension takes place with immediate effect. The police application cited serious licensing offences as the reason.

Two men have been arrested and bailed in connect- ion with the police application.

Committee member Ruth Goldthorpe said after the meeting: “We agreed with the actions which the police wished us to take after asking plenty of searching questions.

“An alcohol delivery service was being used from there too and the person running it was not complying with the conditions.

“He was supposed to go to named addresses but had invoices that didn’t tally.”