Vodka Nightclub's licence to be reviewed after cannabis factory found

A notice has gone up on the doors of Vodka Bar and Nightclub, in Upper Brook Street, calling for a summary review of the premises due to a “serious crime”.

Police remain on the scene two days after discovering a large number of cannabis plants at various stages of growth inside. All plants will be seized and destroyed once an investigation is carried out. 

READ MORE: Large cannabis factory in Vodka Nightclub, police confirm

The notice on the door reads: “Section 53A Summary Review Winchester City Council as the Licensing Authority for the District hereby gives notice that it has received an application from Hampshire Constabulary, for a summary review under the Licensing Act 2003 of the Premises Licence for the premises known as: Vodka Bar & Nightclub, Upper Brook Street, Winchester, SO23 8AL.

“The grounds for the application are: in the opinion of a senior police officer, the premises are associated with serious crime.”

Review notice (Image: Newsquest)

Representations should be submitted in writing to the licencing manager (email licensing@winchester.gov.uk), Winchester City Council, City Offices, Colebrook Street, Winchester SO23 9LJ by Tuesday, December 5.

In the early hours of Monday, November 20, officers from the Winchester Priority Crime Team, Neighbourhood Policing Team, Criminal Investigation Department, Joint Operations Unit, Licensing and Intelligence Operations executed a warrant at the nightclub.

A 54-year-old man from Winchester was arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug of Class B and acquiring/using/possessing criminal property. He has been bailed with conditions until February 20 while police enquiries continue.

Police still at the club (Image: Newsquest)

The nightclub closed in May 2023 for a summer refurbishment. 

At the time, one of the co-owners told the Chronicle: “We're closing for a refurb which is something we do every year. It's just time to freshen the place up."

They confirmed that the club would reopen in September, but the city’s only nightclub has remained closed and the Vodka sign has been removed.

SEE ALSO: Vodka Bar and Nightclub in Winchester makes announcement over future

Following the raid on Monday, Inspector Matt Kirby said: “We will continue to investigate what we have found today to bring those responsible to justice.

“The reason why we take this kind of thing so seriously is because any production of drugs is linked to hidden harm.

“Large-scale operations are often run by organised crime groups, who are often connected to very serious violence.

“Finally, we are very aware that our actions took place in a busy city centre. We have tried to minimise disruption as much as possible, and we would like to thank the local community for their patience.”

The owner of Vodka Nightclub has been contacted for comment.

Winchester City Council has been contacted for comment.