Belfast Poker Club Stormed By Police

Club owner Sean Murphy opened the Cavendish Club a number of years ago in Belfast, and things have been running smoothly ever since. When he opened the club he spoke with a senior police officer to make sure there were no problems, due to the murky nature of the law on the issue of poker clubs. The officer assured Murphy that, were there any problems, he would be in touch. While it is unclear if this is what the officer meant by “in touch” the police made their presence known at the club in a full force raid. Some thirty police officers in riot gear stormed the club and seized more than £20,000 in prize money.The club, serving only coffee and tea, no alcohol, has been featured on Sky TV and other prominent poker showcases, and there was no warning as to the raid. Murphy has retained a solicitor and is considering legal action against the police, including getting back the money that was taken.