A Brazilian bar in North London that lost its licence after pills believed to be class A drugs were found behind the bar during a drug raid has lost its appeal in court. The judge described the business as a ‘hotspot for criminal activity’ and upheld the council’s original decision.
In January, Brent Council’s Licensing Sub Committee took the decision to revoke the licence of Santafe Hall on High Street in Harlesden following a raid by police officers in November, 2023. The trading company, Potubras Ltd, subsequently appealed the decision at Willesden Magistrates Court but was unsuccessful.
The judge found that the revocation of the licence was appropriate, telling the appellant it was ‘entirely reasonable’ that the council have ‘lost confidence in your ability to run the premises’ in line with the stated licensing objectives. The judge added: “I dismiss the appeal on the basis that I am not persuaded that the committee decision is wrong”.
Following last year’s raid, a staff member was arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply. The bar has been stripped of its alcohol licence and will not be able to sell alcohol to the public.
Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement, Cllr Krupa Sheth, said: “I am glad the Judge has found that the Council’s Licensing Sub Committee came to the correct decision. This premises has shown that it was a hotspot for illegal activities and now the premises will no longer be able to serve alcohol.
She added: “I would like to thank the police for dealing with them so well and bringing the initial review. I would also want to thank all of our amazing Licensing officers who have supported the appeal.”
Santafé Hall was temporarily closed after drugs had been found on the premises. A temporary closure notice was then issued on December 28 at Willesden Magistrates’ Court, which prohibited entry until March 27 this year.
The Metropolitan Police then applied to Brent Council for a licence review by the alcohol and entertainment licensing sub-committee. It determined that the bar’s licence should be revoked – which meant it was not be able to operate even when the police closure order was lifted in March.
Other than the suspected drug dealing linked to the venue, there were repeated complaints over the years of loud music at ‘night club levels’, as well as incidents of and anti-social behaviour. Local residents also claimed that music and a performer continued to play at the bar after its scheduled closing time of 11pm.
At the time, Sgt Cesar Sanguineti of the Harlesden Town Centre Team, said: “I honestly believed that allowing Santafé Hall to operate in the Harlesden area, in spite of all the reasonable concerns raised above, would not only undo all police’s efforts to make Harlesden a safer area, but would seriously impact the wellbeing of the local community.
“One more crime in the local area attributable to Santafe Hall’s activities is one crime too many.”
Grant Williams is a journalist and Local Democracy Reporter (LDR) for Reach PLC, reporting on local government, politics and community issues across London. As part of the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he has contributed to Harrow Online, covering council decisions, housing developments, transport, planning matters and stories affecting local communities across Harrow and Brent.
