The owner of a café in Newton Aycliffe has appealed for people to refrain from “trial by social media” and expressed hope that “the full truth comes to light” after a cannabis parcel addressed to his establishment was intercepted.
Huey Watson, licence holder and supervisor at The Beveridge Way Bistro, made the plea after Durham County Council revoked the premises’ alcohol licence. A licensing hearing was told that a 2.5kg package, estimated to be worth approximately £50,000, was seized by Border Force while being transported from Canada to the café.
Statement from Mr Watson
Mr Watson rejected any awareness of the drugs and maintained he remains committed to developing the town centre establishment. In a statement released following 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.”
Background and suspension
Mr Watson revealed he had lately reintroduced alcohol service at the bistro following a three-year hiatus as part of ambitions to establish “a fine dining experience” and boost early evening custom. He stated that the goal had been to establish “a restaurant vibe in a safe space with wonderful food”.
The suspension follows an emergency licensing hearing on Wednesday, after Durham Constabulary applied for a summary review of the premises licence. The committee was told that Border Force officers had intercepted the parcel before it could reach the business. Police revealed they had been unable to identify the individual named on the parcel, who did not appear on the electoral register, and suggested it may have been destined for another person or an altogether different address.
Addressing the hearing, Mr Watson described himself as “absolutely bamboozled” by the incident, firmly denying 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 strip Mr Watson of his role as designated premises supervisor while the investigation remains ongoing.
