THREE bars where evidence of cocaine use were found have had a series of tough new conditions imposed on their licences.

In total, 27 new conditions were added to the licences of Vie Bar, in Leigh, the Exchange and the White Horse, both in Southchurch, as it emerged staff at one of the bars may have been using cocaine on the premises.

The review hearing by Southend Council’s licensing committee, on Friday, rubberstamped conditions which had been agreed between the licensees and the police.

Jodi Zanchi, the designated premises supervisor of the Exchange, in Southchurch Road, said the bar’s management were “surprised” by the findings of the police operation on November 12.

During Operation Farmbike, 40 officers and sniffer dogs visited a number of premises across the borough.

High traces of cocaine were found in each of the pubs, prompting police to call for the reviews.

Licensing officer Sgt Danny Barnes said of the Exchange: “There was a particular reading behind the bar area, where only staff would have access.”

Ms Zanchi said: “We were surprised by the results, especially the one behind the bar.

“It is not something we want to be happening and certainly not with staff.”

She said CCTV was reviewed, but there was no evidence of staff taking drugs and there have been staff changes since.

Andrew Murrell, solicitor for Vie Bar, in Leigh Broadway, said: “As soon as my client got the letter informing us of the review application we met the same day and within days we met with the police.

“We take this very seriously and worked out various proposals to help address the concerns.”

Helen Audsley, legal manager for Orchid brewery, which owns the White Horse, also in Southchurch Road, said: “Obviously we are very disappointed by the results of the police tests.

“Straight away we had meetings with the police and we agreed several conditions. We’ve also gone further and changed our designated premises supervisor and door management.”