Restaurant Raid Leads to Booze Seizure

A RAID on an unlicensed Wiltshire restaurant led to the seizure of more than 250 bottles of wine, spirits and beer.

The operation on Saturday (February 16) by the newly-formed Wiltshire Police Licensing Support Team also led to the arrest of two women on suspicion of immigration offences and to the discovery of firearms offences at another address.

Wiltshire Police, together with North Wiltshire District Council, planned the operation in Chippenham following 12 months of intelligence gathering.

The council`s licensing department is now investigating the owner of the restaurant on suspicion of licensing offences.

Police are investigating the firearms offences and the two women who were arrested have been released pending further enquiries by the Immigration Service.

Head of the Licensing Support Team, Sgt Steve Bussey said: "We are pleased with the results achieved by this operation and with the effective working relationship which has developed with our partner agencies, including the North Wiltshire District Council`s Licensing Department and the Immigration Service."

Community Affairs Chief Inspector Jon Tapper added: "We want the public to know that we will challenge the irresponsible use of alcohol vigorously and in particular where vulnerable young people may be at risk.

"The 2003 Licensing Act gives us wide ranging powers to ensure that alcohol is sold and consumed according to the law and we will use the legislation to its full extent to protect our local communities."