A PUB could lose its alcohol license after police found evidence it was being used to ‘take and supply drugs’.

The landlord of the Duke of Wellington pub in Great Harwood will go before Hyndburn Council’s Licensing Sub Committee on Thursday.

The application to review the premises licence was made by police.

Officers said they have ‘serious concerns’ regarding drug use and management of the premises.

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Sgt Jason Middleton said in the application for review: “There is evidence and information available to indicate that these premises are being openly used to both take and supply drugs.

“This is occurring with the full knowledge of those who are supposed to be running the premises.

“The police have grave concerns regarding the management of the premises.

“Police have serious concerns regarding drug use at the premises.”

The committee will decide whether to revoke the licence or remove the designated premises supervisor at the meeting.

Councillors could also modify the conditions of the license or suspend it for up to three months.

The premises are licensed to supply alcohol Monday to Wednesday from 9am until 1.30am and Thursday to Sunday from 9am until 2am.

The town centre pub also hosts regular live music nights with bands performing.

The pub changed ownership in May 2016, with Jason Hall taking over as designated premises supervisor.

Police noted at least nine incidents of concerns relating to drug use at the premises since then and 10 incidents of crime and disorder in their application to the council.

Cllr Gareth Molineux, who represents the area on Hyndburn Council, said: “Obviously the issue has been raised by the police in regards to the pub.

“We pride ourselves on having a firm but fair policy in regards to alcohol licensing.

“In my opinion if it is involving class A drugs then it could be a revoking of the license.

“However it depends on the evidence shown, we must remember that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.”

Numerous visits have taken place at the premise by police during the past 12 months and the designated premise supervisor has never been present, Sgt Middleton said.

A further application for the variation of the designated premise supervisor into the name of Leanna Marie Dickinson was received on May 10 by the council.

The premise licence holders for the site are Baron and Douglas Limited.

A report from the council’s licensing manager Wendy Peck said: “ The police have stated that there is evidence and information available to indicate that the premises are being openly used to both take and supply drugs.

“The police state that this is occurring with the full knowledge of those who are supposed to be running the premises and who should be promoting the licensing objectives."

A spokesman from the Duke of Wellington pub was unavailable for comment.