A PUB in Darlington could have its licence revoked after a police drugs raid landed a haul of cocaine.

Durham Constabulary has urged Darlington Borough Council to review trading permissions at the Skerne Park Hotel after officers found customers had been dealing and using cocaine.

The call comes after informants tipped off police, resulting in a raid in November last year which led to five arrests and the seizure of drugs worth £1580.

Members of the council's licensing committee meet next Wednesday to discuss the matter.

Papers compiled for the meeting reveal the full extent of the police's concerns.

The report reveals that management at the Tadcaster Pub Company-owned pub at Coleridge Gardens, Skerne Park, Darlington, had turned a blind eye to the problem.

The papers state: "Information was received from a number of confidential sources regarding the use of the premises for illegal use and supply of drugs, also indicating that the Designated Premises Supervisor, though not involved, did allow the situation to continue.

"On Friday November 14 2008, officers entered the premises at 9.15pm, also utilised was a passive drugs dog.

"Attending officers estimated there were some 27 to 28 persons on the premises. Of these patrons, five were subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of controlled substances.

"In total 17.5g of cocaine was seized, also one of the males arrested was found to be in possession of £850.00 in cash.

"Additionally, 22g of cocaine was discarded in the toilets together with a quantity of herbal cannabis."

The report adds that the pub's supervisor said he had to control drug use in the premises but was unable to stop it.

It adds: "The Police are of the view that the premises are not being operated in an efficient manner."

Police have asked that, if the council decides not to revoke the licence, it should insist that CCTV is installed, the licence holder draws up a written drugs policy, and that staff are retrained.

The pub's existing licence allows opening between 11am and midnight Sunday to Thursday, and 11am to 1am on Friday and Saturday.

The meeting takes place at 9.30am on May 13 at the town hall.