Cafe owner’s appeal after licence suspended

A cafe owner has urged people not to engage in “trial by social media” and said he hopes “the full truth comes to light” after a parcel of cannabis destined for his business was intercepted by police. 

Huey Watson, licence holder and supervisor at The Beveridge Way Bistro in Newton Aycliffe, issued the appeal after Durham County Council revoked the venue’s alcohol licence. 

A council licensing hearing heard that a 2.5kg parcel, valued at around £50,000, was intercepted by Border Force while being shipped from Canada to the cafe.

Mr Watson denied any knowledge of the drugs and insisted he is focused on growing the town centre business. 

In a statement issued after the hearing, he said: “With speculation and rumours continuing to spread across social media, we would encourage everyone to avoid jumping to conclusions and to allow the facts to speak for themselves.

“Anyone who knows me will tell you that I have built a strong reputation within the community over many years.

“We sincerely hope this matter is resolved fairly and that the full truth comes to light.

“The truth has a way of coming out, and until then, we believe everyone deserves fairness, respect, and due process rather than trial by social media.”

Mr Watson said he had recently reintroduced alcohol sales at the bistro after a three-year break as part of plans to create “a fine dining experience” and increase early evening trade.

He said the aim had been to create “a restaurant vibe in a safe space with wonderful food”.

Mr Watson also thanked customers, fellow businesses, friends and family for their support, adding that the town centre management had also been informed of the situation.

The suspension follows an emergency licensing hearing on Wednesday after Durham Constabulary applied for a summary review of the premises licence.

The committee heard that Border Force officers intercepted the parcel before it could be delivered to the business.

Police said they had been unable to trace the individual named on the parcel, who was not on the electoral register, and believed it may have been intended for someone else or a different address.

Speaking during the hearing, Mr Watson said he was “absolutely bamboozled” by the incident and denied any involvement.

“I totally understand why you have taken the action you have,” he told the committee.

“I have never had anything to do with this in the past. It has obviously got into a mess and out of control.

“I am absolutely bamboozled by all this. I’ve worked hard and always kept myself clean. I agree with what you are doing and hope it all ends. It’s horrible.”

The licensing committee agreed to suspend the premises’ alcohol licence and remove Mr Watson as the designated premises supervisor while the investigation continues.