Local News · Swindon
Swindon social club faces permanent closure following cannabis factory discovery
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
The North Swindon Club on Cheney Manor Road faces a licensing review by the borough council after police uncovered a large-scale cannabis operation on the site.
A social club in Swindon is facing the potential revocation of its licence to sell alcohol and provide entertainment following the discovery of a substantial cannabis factory on its premises.
North Swindon Club, also known as Club-104, located on Cheney Manor Road, is under review by Swindon Borough Council. The move comes after Wiltshire Police officers attended the site in August 2026 and discovered a commercial-scale operation containing hundreds of cannabis plants.
The scale of the discovery led to three arrests, including the club’s former secretary, Richard Hale. Police reported that two of the individuals involved attempted to evade arrest by jumping from the roof of the building, subsequently requiring hospital treatment for their injuries. All those arrested were released on bail until November.
A police spokesperson stated that the force is seeking a total revocation of the club's premises certificate, which has been in place since 2005. The application for review argues that the club failed to uphold essential licensing objectives, specifically the prevention of crime and disorder and the maintenance of public safety. John Barker, the Police Alcohol Licensing Officer for Swindon, noted that in his professional view, no modification of existing conditions could adequately guard against such activities recurring at the premises.
Beyond the criminal investigation, the council's own licensing team has identified significant operational failures. The club is alleged to have breached the terms of its certificate by allowing the general public access to events. Regulations strictly stipulate that services are intended solely for members and their invited guests, yet the club reportedly advertised events using phrases such as 'free entry, open to all' and 'non-members welcome'.
Further scrutiny from the council highlighted a history of administrative non-compliance, including the failure to pay annual fees, issues with maintaining a required register of members, and the club's deregistration by the Financial Conduct Authority due to missing annual returns.
Following an extraordinary general meeting in September, Mr Hale was removed from his post as secretary and replaced by Fulgido Pasqualitto. While Mr Pasqualitto has reportedly provided some documentation to licensing officials, the club remains under a three-month closure order issued by Swindon Magistrates Court on September 4, 2026, which continues to restrict access to the site.
Swindon Borough Council’s Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, November 4, to determine the future of the club. The panel has the authority to modify existing conditions, suspend the licence for up to three months, or revoke the certificate entirely.
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