A Portuguese restaurant where police have received more than 20 complaints in the last year, including of dealing, drug taking, and assault, is to have its licence reviewed.

Police documents state that intelligence suggests the owner of O’Bombeiro on Park Parade in Harlesden “is aware of and possibly involved” in drug dealing from the premises.

A search warrant executed on March 30 found blocks of what was believed to be cannabis resin, as well as scales, cling film, laughing gas canisters, and a knife.

Another incident on February 1 saw officers follow a man acting suspiciously inside the property. He was then witnessed discarding items on the floor, which included two bags of cannabis and a kitchen knife. 

The man was subsequently arrested for possession of a blade and possession of cannabis with intent to supply. He was also found with £220 cash and suspected to be dealing on Park Parade.

Further information from members of the public and the local authority suggest groups of men loiter outside O’Bombeiro “staring and intimidating” people as they walk past, police documents show. 

In a statement made by a resident, who wished to remain anonymous, they claimed people “do not want to walk on Park Parade” due to the groups of men. They said: “I know if I go towards that way passing O’Bombeiro, I would be impacted by these males who are clearly smoking cannabis and they make no attempts to hide it.”

They added: “[…] When I sometimes walk past the restaurant I could smell a strong and pungent smell of cannabis. I have heard from members of the public that there are drug dealing activities inside.”

A man was also reported to have been assaulted by a group outside the restaurant on February 26. The incident happened following an argument inside the premises over a coat being knocked on the floor at a 50th birthday party.

The police report notes: “[The] victim stated that he was punched repeatedly by these males before falling on the floor. The males have then continued to attack the victim whilst he was on the floor, [they] have kicked the victim in the face, also whilst he was on the floor.”

O’Bombeiro has already been forced to temporarily shut after the Metropolitan Police successfully obtained a closure order. It was issued to the owner of the restaurant on March 31 after officers executed the March 30 search warrant following numerous complaints that drugs were stored, consumed, and dealt at the premises.

The order was granted by Brent Magistrates’ Court on April 4 for a period of three months and will come to an end on July 4.

Brent Council’s licensing sub-committee will now review the licence on April 20, where it can amend, suspend, or revoke it.

O’Bombeiro’s current licence allows for entertainment, late night refreshment and the sale of alcohol from 11am to 11.30pm Monday to Wednesday and until 3.30am Thursday to Sunday. Its opening hours are from 11am to 11.30pm Monday to Wednesday, and from 11am to 4.00am Thursday to Sunday.