From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By John Nurden, 19 July 2017.

Merlins at Leysdown temporarily closed down by police.

A Leysdown pub has had its licence suspended with immediate effect as part of an ongoing Kent Police operation to tackle crime and disorder.

The application was made after the venue failed to provide police with CCTV footage of an assault which took place in Leysdown Road on July 9.

Swale council’s licensing sub-committee ruled on Monday that the venue’s licence should be suspended with immediate effect.

This is an interim measure and means the public bar will remain closed until a full review hearing takes place in early August.

The premises have since provided police with CCTV and it will now be allowed to open for two pre-planned functions as long as it ensures three licensed security staff are present for the whole night.

The action was taken following a visit of 13 venues across the Isle of Sheppey last Thursday (July 13) by officers to check they were meeting the conditions of their alcohol licence.

Swale council, the Security Industry Association and Kent Fire and Rescue Service also took part.

The operation was run to remind licence-holders of their responsibilities ahead of the summer holidays.

Alcohol control zones in Sheerness and Leysdown will also be enforced throughout the summer.

Inspector Craig West from Kent Police’s Swale Community Safety Unit, said: "Anti-social behaviour caused by excess drinking is an unacceptable nuisance for people living in, and visiting, the Isle of Sheppey.

"That is why we are running this operation. We are taking proactive steps to ensure residents and young families coming to visit on holiday enjoy Sheppey, which will in turn help local businesses flourish.

"Most venues are compliant with the responsibilities placed on them by their licences and we are happy to work alongside them to ensure the Island is a safe place to live in and visit this summer.

"Should any issues arise we will work with our partners to use the full remit of our powers to take robust and proportionate action."

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By John Nurden, 7 December 2018.

Merlins in Leysdown closing down.

A huge entertainment complex is to close at the end of January and could be bulldozed to make way for houses.

Merlins at Leysdown, Sheppey, has been up for sale since the summer but with no takers the owners, Tommy and Lee Dunne, have taken the shock decision to shut its doors.

They stressed all confirmed bookings will be honoured and their Christmas party night tomorrow with three top Abba, Blues Brothers and 80s tribute acts will go ahead as planned.

The venue hosted the final Poppy Ball last weekend.

Mr Dunne, who has owned the building for 20 years, confirmed this week: “We will be closing in the early part of next year but we will honour every booking between now and then.

“Nearer the time, we will issue a fuller statement.”

The complex had a major revamp earlier this year when the bar area was converted into a restaurant called the Combine @ Merlins.

An insider admitted: “Everyone is saying it is a shame Merlins is closing but they should have supported the place when they had the chance.”

There has been entertainment on the site for decades with top stars like Doctor Hook, Jim Davidson, Jimmy Jones, Bobby Davro and Chas ‘n’ Dave appearing there.

It was formerly known as the Crest Club. The complex originally went up for sale for £1.69 million but can now be snapped up for £995,000 from Ramsgate estate agents Xpertagents.

Bobby Davro with owners Tommy and Lee Dunne.

Award-winning Minster magician Matty Evans, who entertained at the recent Poppy Ball, began his showbusiness career at Merlins 16 years ago as a doorman, sound engineer and DJ.

He posted on social media: “I cannot thank Merlins enough for giving me the opportunities to show off my talent.

“We have two shows left. It’s going to be emotional.”

Estate agents say the building, which sits at the entrance to Leysdown, includes a bar, restaurant and huge function room with stage and sound system, offers “potential for demolition” and a “number of houses,” subject to planning permission.

It is on a prime site at the entrance to Leysdown and includes a large car park opposite.

The pub and function hall in Leysdown Road had its licence temporarily suspended by Swale council last year after a man was attacked outside its premises.

The area has already been rocked with news that "Talk of the Town," the resort’s next biggest pub, is also up for sale following the retirement of Chris and Jackie Prime.