A Sidcup bar could lose its licence after CCTV footage captured an all-night poker game involving drugs and gambling, along with incidents of violence and underage drinking. The Met Police and Bexley Council have applied to revoke the licence of Tap, located at 3 Wellington Parade on Blackfen Road in Sidcup, citing evidence of drug use, illegal gambling, and public disorder.
Incidents at Tap
On March 20, a fight broke out at the venue during which a woman was assaulted with a glass. When police arrived, they found customers heavily intoxicated and still fighting, taking time to regain control. An 18th birthday party was taking place, and officers reported little management control, with clientele appearing suspiciously young.
The designated premises supervisor, Maria Tray, was on holiday and not present. During a meeting on March 31, Tray admitted that staff had not checked IDs, no security was employed, no manager was on duty, and plastic glasses had not been considered. Additionally, the venue's CCTV system was not working, breaching licence conditions. The bar was warned that selling alcohol without functioning CCTV could lead to prosecution.
All-night poker game
On April 9, residents complained about an all-night poker game at Tap. Police and council officers requested CCTV footage, which was received on April 21. The footage showed hours of gambling at a professional poker table with about ten players, a bar maid serving drinks, and physical money being exchanged, indicating financial gain rather than incidental gaming.
The footage also showed players regularly smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol, as well as rolling and smoking cannabis joints. One man was seen cutting three lines of white powder on a mobile phone and sniffing them with another player, with no one reacting.
Licence review
Bexley Council has informed Tap that its licence may be revoked, but the venue has not responded to the review application. The Licensing Sub-Committee will decide on June 18 whether to revoke the licence.
