White Horse Pub Shut Down After Massive Harlow Drug Raid
The White Horse pub in Old Road, Harlow, has been shut down following a major police crackdown on Thursday, 8 October. The venue was one of 18 locations raided during the swoop that led to 19 arrests.
Seven Charged After Drugs Bust
So far, seven suspects have been charged with drugs-related offences linked to the operation. Essex Police wasted no time taking action against the pub.
Licence Suspended Immediately
Essex Police’s licensing team swiftly applied for a summary review of The White Horse’s premises licence. On Tuesday, 13 October, Harlow Council’s licensing sub-committee met and suspended the pub’s licence with immediate effect.
- The designated premises supervisor was removed on the spot.
- The licence suspension will stay until a full review hearing, set for before 9 November.
At that full hearing, members will decide whether to permanently revoke the licence or maintain the suspension during any appeal.
Police and Council Speak Out
“The police investigation demonstrates a link between the pub and potential criminal activity and for these reasons, working with our partners, we took immediate action to call for a review of its licence to sell alcohol,” said Essex Police licensing officer Ronan McManus.
Councillor Shannon Jezzard, chair of Harlow Council’s licensing committee, added: “Following last week’s events, the police made an application to us on Monday afternoon for a summary review of the pub’s licence.
“Due to the seriousness of the investigation, a licensing sub-committee had to meet within 48 hours to consider whether any immediate steps were required. The sub-committee, chaired by Councillor Nick Churchill, agreed to take immediate steps to remove the designated premises supervisor and suspend the premises licence with a full hearing to be held within 28 days.”
