Drug dealing, weapons and assault among reasons why Ipswich pub The Waterlily, in St Helen’s Street, could lose its licence

A series of drug busts, assaults and the discovery of a weapon are some of the reasons an Ipswich pub could be forced to close.

John Corkett, from Suffolk Police’s licensing team, said numerous breaches meant The Waterlily, in St Helen’s Street, had been on the police’s radar for more than a year.

Licence holder Larry Graham was warned and advised on numerous occasions police would intervene if steps were not taken, Mr Corkett said, but officers were met with ‘increasing hostility’ in response to incidents in recent weeks.

On Friday, Ipswich’s licensing and regulatory committee is set to discuss a review of The Waterlily’s licence.

Suffolk Police has recommended its licence be suspended with immediate effect until a hearing is held.

The call for a review came days after drug arrests were made at the premises on October 19.

One officer, who submitted a statement to the licensing team, described the pub’s atmosphere as ‘toxic’.

A police report said three people were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A or Class B drugs.

In addition, mobile phones were seized from behind the bar and a large bag of cocaine was found in a fridge, while a large machete was found on the ground.

After this, the premises were handed closure orders, which expired on October 21.

Mr Corkett said: “Of great concern is the fact that large quantities of drugs and a weapon was found in the kitchen and lounge area and some even stored in a fridge, which would seem to indicate involvement of staff or management.

“It should also be noted that some children were present in the venue. This presence of children in any situation involving the supply of controlled drugs is extremely disturbing.”

Mr Corkett said two customers at the store tried to prevent someone being arrested on September 30 by blocking entrance to the beer garden so officers could not enter without a warrant.

The report also found that Class A drugs, namely cocaine and crack, were being sold on site.

Sharon-Betts Palmer, also from Suffolk Police’s licensing team, said a manager at The Waterlily was known to police for dealing drugs.

The pub first came under the police’s radar on September 22, 2023, after a serious assault outside the pub, where a man was glassed.

Mr Graham said he was not aware of the incident when interviewed by police, Ms Betts-Palmer said.

A stabbing also occurred at the pub on December 13, 2023, details of which were not given to police, the report said.

The victim did not wish to make a formal complaint and officers assumed it was due to a drug dispute.

When officers arrived on December 19, 2023, to collect CCTV footage, they found it had been deleted.

The report also raised concerns over the ‘high number of drug dealers who were frequenting the premises’.

John Cook, councillor for Alexandra Ward, said he and other residents were significantly impacted by anti-social and illegal activity at The Waterlily.

Having lived in the area since 2018, he said the issues, ranging from littering, loud music, fighting and arguing, were getting worse.

Cllr Cook said: “I have spoken to these residents on the phone and they present as reasonable people, but reasonable people at the end of their tether.

“Their argument is that management of The Waterlily falls woefully short of the standards for a public house, to the detriment of residents.

“The reports of arrests of three men involved in the drugs trade came as no surprise to them and they ask the sub-committee fulfils its obligations.”

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