A COURT bid to have Garlands shut down will be heard next week following a police raid in the early hours of this morning.
Officers closed the nightclub down following an investigation that revealed that drugs were being dealt openly on the premises.
Police say the closure of the Eberle Street venue follows an "extensive operation over the last few months which looked at incidents of violence, and contributory factors, such as drug supply, in the night time economy".
After closing the premises shortly after midnight, officers carried out an extensive search of the three-storey premises and found large quantities of what is believed to be controlled drugs.
Two men aged 19 and 20 from West Derby and Birkenhead respectively we arrested inside the club on suspicion possession and supply of controlled drugs and taken to police stations to be interviewed by detectives.
Chief Supt Jon Ward, said: “Liverpool has a reputation as a safe and vibrant city and this was recently recognised by the re-awarding of Purple Flag status for the city centre. Every weekend at least 100,000 people visit the city to enjoy the city’s night life.
“Sadly, we have been given no option but to take positive action at this premises this evening following an extensive operation. Over the last few months officers have found that Class A drugs and other substances, were being openly dealt within the premises. It is clear that this establishment didn’t adhere to the same high standards as other licensed premises in the city.
“Academic research shows that drug taking is linked to violence, particularly if there are other trigger factors such as: under-age drinking, over-crowding, poor management of the environment within the venue, alongside irresponsible promotions and the selling of alcohol to drunks.
“In Liverpool North we have a drugs test on arrest policy for crimes of violence and disorder in the city centre, and analysis of our data shows that an average of 40 per cent of those arrested for disorder, or violence, tested positive for cocaine."
He added: “This is not a victimless crime. Drug dealers are exploiting young, vulnerable people and selling them illegal drugs."
The force made a formal application for a closure order of Garlands (under Section 80 of Anti Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014) to Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates Court.
But lawyers for Garlands applied to adjourn the case to allow time for them to consider the application.
The next hearing for the full application will take place on Wednesday, 18 February at Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates Court at 1.45pm.
Garlands will remain closed until the application is determined.
