Kandy Klub closed

A Rochdale nightclub has been stripped of its licence following violent disorder and anti-social behaviour outside the building.

Greater Manchester Police and Rochdale Borough Council have forced the Kandy Klub nightclub to temporarily close by taking away its licence.

Violent disorder outside the club on Drake Street, resulting in a large fight between doormen and party-goers last week, prompted police to turn to the council for help.

An emergency licensing hearing was held on Friday (26 June) due to police fears that the violence could escalate over the weekend.

In the interests of public safety, Councillors decided to suspend the club’s licence with immediate affect until a full hearing can take place. The hearing must be held within 28 days.

Andy Glover, Public Protection Manager at Rochdale Council, said: “We are committed to ensuring that the town centre is a safe environment for people to drink and socialise that means there is no place for an establishment that is becoming a hotspot for antisocial behaviour, violence or any other type of criminal activity.

“We will seek to use all the powers we have and the law to close down such a premises that threatens the safety of our town centre patrons. On this occasion, I’m pleased that such prompt and decisive action was taken by both the police and the council.

“I would like to stress that we work closely with local licensees to make sure that they are upholding the conditions of their licences and we have been successful in building up excellent relationships with most landlords who fully support what we are trying to achieve.”

Chief Superintendent John O’Hare, said: “This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable and tarnishes the image of Rochdale. The overwhelming majority of people who go out into our town do so to enjoy a good night out, and we cannot have one establishment becoming a focal point for violence and anti-social behaviour giving Rochdale an unfair and unwanted reputation.

“We have been forced to take this action, despite our attempts to work with the management of the club. Licensees and managers must realise that with management comes a responsibility to ensure their premises are adequately controlled.

“Therefore, we have been working very closely with Rochdale Borough Council and I am very pleased that through this partnership working, decisive action has been taken to use this legislation.

“I hope this case sends out a powerful message that if licensees do not abide by the conditions of their licence and allow their business to become a hotspot for any sort of antisocial behaviour, both the police and the local authority will take tough action.”