A UK bar has kept its premises licence after councillors ruled that new ownership had significantly reduced the risk of future problems, despite allegations that the venue previously hosted an illegal, drug-fuelled poker game.
The case has drawn attention across the UK poker community, serving as another reminder of the difference between legitimate poker played at licensed venues and alleged unlawful gambling operations that can quickly attract police scrutiny.
UK Poker Game at Centre of Investigation
Police launched an investigation after reviewing CCTV that allegedly showed an overnight poker game continuing after the venue had officially closed. Officers also alleged that suspected drug use took place during the game.
The allegations formed part of a wider review into the premises, with authorities arguing that the venue had failed to uphold the licensing objectives designed to prevent crime and disorder.
Separate Disorder Allegations
The poker allegations were not the only concerns raised during the licensing review.
Authorities also referred to an 18th birthday celebration held earlier in the year, where it was alleged that:
- A woman was struck with a glass.
- A large fight broke out.
- Underage drinking may have taken place.
Based on the reported incidents, both the Metropolitan Police and the local licensing authority initially supported revoking the venue’s premises licence.
New Ownership Proved Decisive
The outcome changed after it emerged that the business had recently been sold.
The new owner had purchased the venue for £40,000 just two weeks before the licensing hearing and told councillors he had no involvement in, or knowledge of, the alleged incidents before taking control.
Licensing officers accepted there was no evidence connecting the new management to the previous allegations.
One enforcement officer compared the situation to buying a car previously associated with criminal activity, explaining that although the vehicle might still attract police attention, responsibility does not automatically transfer to the new owner.
The Metropolitan Police also acknowledged that the likelihood of similar incidents occurring again had been greatly reduced because of the change in ownership and management.
Licence Remains in Place
Rather than revoke the licence, councillors decided the venue should be allowed to continue operating under its new ownership.
The decision reflected the committee’s view that the current management should not be held responsible for alleged incidents that occurred before the business changed hands.
What It Means for UK Poker
Poker remains legal in the UK when played within the framework of the country’s gambling laws. Licensed casinos, regulated poker clubs and authorised venues can legally spread poker games, while commercial games operating without the necessary permissions may face enforcement action.
Cases such as this can sometimes blur the public’s perception of poker, but the issue for regulators is typically not the game itself. Instead, investigations usually focus on whether gambling is being conducted legally and whether other criminal activity, such as suspected drug use or disorder, is taking place alongside it.
Venue Avoids Closure
Following the licensing review, Tap in Sidcup will remain open under its new ownership.
For the wider UK poker industry, the case is another example of how allegations involving illegal gambling and suspected criminal activity can lead to serious regulatory action, while also demonstrating that licensing authorities will consider genuine changes in management before deciding whether a business should lose its licence.
