Police raid on town pub (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Police raid on town pub

7:38am Wednesday 6th February 2008 in Chard By Joanna Glover

THE ongoing war against drugs continued this weekend when police raided a Chard pub.

Drinkers at the Number One bar on Fore Street joined by about ten police, licence enforcement officers and a fire safety inspector as they carried out an extensive assessment of the premises at about 8.45pm on Saturday.They were checking for breaches of the licence and fire safety as well as drugs use after intelligence received about the bar and attached Sarum Hotel.Police used a drugs dog and an itemiser machine, which examines swabs from around the premises for traces of controlled substances.Owner and licensee Ralph Ricardo said: "I was incredibly shocked when the police turned up and even more shocked when they found evidence of cocaine in the bar."He added: "We weren't aware of any drug taking on the premises. We are a high street bar, there are four others on the road and the people who come in here and take drugs don't just come in here. But we are happy to implement all the valid points highlighted on Saturday."We are already working to put as much right as soon as possible and are happy to work with the police to achieve this."Sgt Jackie Gold, leading the operation, said: "I was extremely disappointed at what was found."The reports we've had concerning drugs were confirmed with positive results on the premises from the itemiser."The most unbelievable was the highly positive results from a table right in the window - in full view of the street."Mr Ricardo will now be issued with an action plan, which will give him four weeks to get the bar up to scratch.He will be given support from police and the other agencies, who will then carry out a follow up inspection of the premises and ask for their licence to be reviewed if they do not comply.