A DISTRICT judge has upheld Hillingdon Council's decision to permanently revoke the licence of a Hayes pub.

The borough licensing committee took away the licence for The Victoria pub, known for its exotic dancers, in June after a number of people were arrested on drug offences a month before.

The former licence holders appealed the decision and the details were presented at a hearing at Ealing Magistrates' Court in October.

The judge delivered his judgement to the council earlier this month.

District Judge Stephen Day, said: "I have limited myself to adjudicating upon the most significant aspects of the case, notably the level of drug-related activity and public nuisance.

"The applicant had to persuade me that the decision of the licensing authority was wrong and have failed to do so.

“I am satisfied the level of drug-dealing on the premises, coupled with the complaints of local residents about anti-social behaviour, fully justified the authority’s decision."

The pub in North Hyde Road has been closed since June and will remain closed until a new proprietor takes it on, and the council approves its intended use.

Councillor Jonathan Bianco, cabinet member for business services, said: "This is good news for us. The hard work by our licensing and legal officers, who worked closely with the police, has paid off.

“I hope residents who suffered from nuisance in that area before have now noticed a significant difference."