A Blackwood pub has been shut down after police found 35 underage drinkers and 17 bags of suspected drugs at the premises.
Gwent Police raided the Vanilla Bar on High Street on Friday July 17 after obtaining a drugs warrant.
Officers found 17 bags of white powder and a block of white powder, as well as steroids and drug paraphernalia.
A temporary closure was extended to last three months at Newport Magistrates’ Court yesterday, July 20.
A Gwent Police spokesperson said they will be applying to Caerphilly County Borough Council to hold a licencing review hearing for the premises before the end of the three months.
The council’s licensing committee will then decide whether to permanently close the premises, revoke the licence for three months, or provide strict licencing conditions on the pub.
Blackwood councillor Nigel Dix welcomed the closure.
Cllr Dix said: “I’ve had numerous complaints and concerns from residents about after the pub closes with people coming out in the streets and fighting, as well as allegations of drug use and underage drinking.
“I would like to thank the police for doing their job, Friday night was the accomplishment of the work they’ve done and the concerns of residents have been addressed.
“Last time it came to licence I spoke against it. It’s not a suitable venue for a night club.”
Night Time Economy Officer, PC Adam Lang, said: “I am pleased that the court extended the closure notice today until Caerphilly County Borough Council holds a licencing review hearing.
“It is concerning that such a large number of young people were drinking under the age of 18 in the pub, and that drugs were found at the premises.
“We work with licensed premises to ensure that they offer a safe environment for their customers, uphold their licensing conditions and operate within the law. This was clearly not the case with this licensed premise and as such we have taken firm action.”
Police were joined by Caerphilly County Borough Council staff, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and a drugs dog from South Wales Police.
Inspector Carl Williams, said: “This is a prime example of the police working with our partner agencies to ensure that the night time economy in our local towns operates within the law.
“I hope this sends out a clear message that we will take action against any premises that refuses to do so.”
Investigations into the drugs found at the premises are on-going.