A Swindon social club has lost its permission to sell alcohol after police uncovered a cannabis factory on the premises.
North Swindon Club, also now known as Club-104 and located on Cheney Manor Road, has had its Club Premises Licence withdrawn by the council following a meeting by Swindon Borough Council's Licensing Panel on Wednesday, November 4.
The certificate, in place since August 2005, allowed the club to supply alcohol and provide regulated entertainment to members and their guests.
The review of the certificate follows a police visit in August 2026, during which officers uncovered a "substantial" cannabis factory consisting of hundreds of plants.
Three individuals, including then-club secretary Richard Hale, were arrested on suspicion of cannabis cultivation and have been bailed until November.
John Barker, Police Alcohol Licensing Officer for Swindon for Wiltshire Police, said in council documents published prior to the meeting: "I wish to make my stance clear in that I still seek a revocation of the club premises certificate.
"Even with Mr Hale having been removed as club secretary. My review is against the premises.
"This is in adherence of the Licensing Objective to prevent crime and disorder, and to protect the community.
"No modification of certificate conditions can ever guard against such activities being repeated."
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A closure order for the site was issued by Swindon Magistrates’ Court on September 4, 2026, and remains in effect for three months.
Swindon Borough Council’s licensing team raised additional concerns prior to the meeting, including evidence that the club had promoted events as open to the public—contrary to its licence, which limits access to members and their guests.
Promotional materials reportedly included phrases such as "free entry, open to all" and "non-members welcome."
The club’s Facebook page has since been taken offline.
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Council officers also identified other compliance issues prior to the meeting, including non-payment of annual fees, failure to maintain a register of members, and deregistration by the Financial Conduct Authority for failing to submit annual returns.
An Extraordinary General Meeting held on September 17 resulted in the removal of Mr Hale as secretary, with Mr Fulgido Pasqualitto appointed as his replacement who has since provided some club documentation to licensing officers.
However, earlier this month, it was confirmed that access to the premises remains restricted due to the closure order, and the club has been unable to produce a current membership list, according to documents published prior to the meeting.
On Thursday, November 5, Wiltshire Police said that there have been no charges to date and enquiries are ongoing.
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