Bar closed after police find drugs

The Avit Bar - also known as the 30+ Bar - on Carlisle Street, Burngreave, was closed temporarily following a massive early morning police raid involving dozens of officers.

A total of 18 people were arrested by police who seized 5,500 worth of crack cocaine, a loaded nine millimetre handgun, a machete, cannabis and other weapons.

Now members of Sheffield Council’s licensing board have agreed to make a permanent closure order against the club.

The hearing was told the bar was a popular gathering place for Jamaican ‘Yardies’ from London, and many saw it as a “safe house” where they would not be disturbed by police.

Inspector Jon Ekuwbiri from the Burngreave and Pitsmoor safer neighbourhood policing team said the bar attracted members of the criminal fraternity with strong links to drugs and gun crime.”

He said licensee Dawn Hill hadn’t turned a blind eye to the activities going on inside the bar, but had been naive.

“She is an honourable lady but I think she is naive and has no business acumen,” he said.

Ms Hill said there were measures in place to search customers as they entered the premises, including vetted and registered doormen using scanners.

She now has 21 days in which to appeal the decision.