??/??/?? - Doors close at Raquels

THE DOORS of Basildon nightspot Raquels were shut this week as doubts grew over the future of the venue. Police officers have reservations about the club's licence following an investigation into the death of Leah Betts. Following Leah's Ecstasy related death in November police mounted a huge enquiry into alleged drug dealing at the club.

Club managers have now closed the club while they decide on whether to go ahead with a major refurbishment plan while police continue their enquiries. The police licensing section at Pitsea is waiting for the result of the investigation before deciding whether to apply to magistrates to have the club' s liquor licence taken away. Said PC Andy Ford, of the licensing unit: "A whole lot of issues, including the investigation of allegations of drug dealing, remain to be investigated. We will be looking at all the evidence. "We will not act until we have looked at all the relevant information in this case."

Raquels' licence to sell alcoholic drinks has until February 1998 to run but at any time police may ask magistrates to revoke the licence. Police also have powers to advise Basildon council to withdraw the venue's music and entertainments licence which is issued by the local authority.

A spokesman for Raquels nightclub was unavailable for comment as the Yellow Advertiser went to press.