Pub manager charged over drugs

The manager of a well-known pub in the North East has been arrested for allegedly dealing in hard drugs.

Around 35 police officers raided Y-Idols in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, on Friday September 22.

Manageress Susan Patterson, 37, was arrested by the police. She has since been charged with possession with intent to supply a class A drug.

Managers have closed the pub pending a meeting with senior police officers.

Insp Tony Blacklock said: "A report will go to the licensing authority with a view to objecting to the licence or at least imposing conditions on the licence."

Y-Idols has three large rooms and is open until 3am at weekends. The bar targets the numerous hen and stag parties that visit the seaside resort. It is part of the town's Esplanade Hotel and is owned by Montague Hotels.

Group manager Ian Sinclair said: "The directors of the Esplanade Hotel and Y-Idols have a zero tolerance approach to drugs.

"We are co-operating fully with the police in their investigation and remain supportive of all actions taken by the authorities.

"We would like to add, on a personal note, that we are totally shocked and dismayed."