A TOWN centre nightclub was ordered to close by police this morning after officers raided the drinking hotspot as part of a crackdown on drugs supply in Warrington.
Six people were arrested after officers executed a warrant at Reef Bar in Bridge Street at around 3.45am this morning.
A large quantity of drugs was also seized and a closure notice has now been served on the premises.
It is understood Reef Bar will now have to attend a hearing to decide if the club should be closed permanently or temporarily.
Revellers were asked to leave the drinking establisment and were subsequently checked by the force’s drugs dog while officers carried out an examination of the nightclub.
Police say this was the latest activity in the force’s efforts to tackle those whose supply and use illegal drugs as part of Operation Impact.
Assistant chief constable Mark Roberts said: “Our action this morning demonstrates the constabulary’s determination to ensure illegal activity is stamped out in our communities.
“It is one element of our approach to ensure that the night time economy is a place where people can go out and have a good time safely without having to tip toe around organised criminals and their activities.
“This has been a professionally executed operation that has involved months of intelligence gathering and careful planning.
“We want to ensure that people can enjoy a night out in Warrington without fear or intimidation from those who use or supply illegal drugs.
“I feel certain that this action sends out a strong message to those who engage in this type of activity, or allow it to happen on their premises, that we will find out about it and we will take robust action against them.
“We want to work with and support the genuine members of the licensing trade, but the message for those who are not willing to be responsible is that you can expect to see more enforcement activity.”
Warrington Local Policing Unit commander, chief inspector Pete Shaw, said: “Warrington town centre’s night time economy has, for some time, been a very challenging environment to police.
“Large numbers of people are arrested in town most weekends and it is too common for assaults to take place and for officers and members of the public to be injured by people under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
“This particular nightclub had been highlighted as the cause of much of the disorder in town and it was tonight closed down by officers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.
“The operation strikes a blow to those intent on making Warrington a violent and unpleasant place to be and clearly demonstrates that drug abuse in Warrington will not be tolerated by Cheshire Constabulary.”
To report drug-related crime call Cheshire Police on 101 or speak to an officer.
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