The Waterlily Ipswich has licence revoked over drug concerns

Ipswich Borough Council took action against The Waterlily pub in St Helen's Street on Friday after police discovered a machete and drugs on the premise.

The review came after three men were arrested at the premises on Saturday, October 19, over drug-related incidents.

Officers said they had received "numerous intelligence reports" that class A drugs, including cocaine and crack cocaine, were being sold at the venue, in a report to the committee.

Mr Graham took over the Waterlily in 2022. (Image: Google Maps) Suffolk Constabulary licensing officer Sharon Betts-Palmer told the meeting: "The venue seems to be run by an organised criminal gang.

"We have very grave concerns about the way that the Waterlily is being run.

"There are a lot of licence conditions that the site is not adhering to, such as protection against crime and disorder, preventing public nuisance and protecting children from harm."

The police asked for an urgent review of this venue. (Image: PA)A list of incidents that took place at the venue since October 2023 was presented to the committee, including video footage from two body-worn police cameras during separate visits on September 13. 

The footage showed two male managers along with customers being aggressive and abusive to police officers, and did not let them enter the premises. 

The licensing officer said there were also a range of incidents where warps of cocaine were found at the premises, and in the rooms that were rented out above the residence. 

The Waterlily's licence holder Larry Graham told the meeting it was the first time he has been made aware of such abuse at his venue. 

He said the pub had been rented to two men since 2022 and any site visit he carried out he saw the venue being run in "a very orderly manner".

"I have generally seen people in high spirits and I wasn’t actually there myself," Mr Graham said.

"It was absolutely disgusting how they treated the police, and not much I cannot say in anything defence of that really."

The police said that they had made Mr Graham aware of the incidents at his premises in February.

In response to this the pub owner removed the existing designated premises supervisor and put himself in that position in March. 

Mrs Betts-Palmer told the meeting: "Mr Graham is taking little or no notice of these warnings that we have given him, and he cannot claim to be unaware of the issues at the venue." 

Cllr John Cook was also present at the meeting giving representations for two residents. (Image: Ipswich Labour Party) Ward councillor John Cook was also present at the meeting to give a statement from two residents who wished to remain anonymous and had raised concerns of public disorder that went on well into the night.

Mr Cook said: “Everyone really is tired of the situation.

“Residents in Ipswich should not have to put up with what is going on at the Waterlily.

"It's not acceptable with their licencing regulations."

Speaking to the licence holder, Mr Cook asked: "Do you think you are actually fit to run licenced premises?"

Ipswich Borough Council decided to revoke the licence.  (Image: IBC) After hearing all the statements the committee chaired by councillor Lucy Grant decided that the licence of the Waterlily should be revoked immediately.