Kandy Klub to stay closed

Kandy Klub will remain closed for a further four weeks and a whole host of conditions have been imposed on its licence by Rochdale Borough Council’s Licensing Committee.

The nightclub was closed down last month following a mass brawl involving doormen and members of the public that took place on Drake Street and ended with 6 people being arrested.

Police feared that the premises were attracting trouble and asked the Council to review the club’s licence on 26 June 2009 in the interests of protecting public safety. The club was shut temporarily with immediate effect.

However, at last week’s review hearing that spread over two days (16 and 17 July 2009) the Licensing Committee, consisting of local councillors, heard evidence from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) about increasing levels of anti-social behaviour and violence occurring outside the premises, as well as evidence in defence from the club’s owners, Mr and Mrs Sinclair.

Councillor Ted Flynn, chair of the Licensing Committee and cabinet member for Community Safety returned the verdict on Friday 17 July 2009.

He said: “The committee heard evidence from the Police about serious problems with the premises including an incident which occurred on 21 June 2009 and the response to these problems by the premises licence holder and staff employed there.

“The committee noted that Mr and Mrs Sinclair have decided to use an alternative door security company, however, the committee felt that the premises licence holder had not taken necessary steps to promote the licensing objectives.”

The committee decided that the interim suspension should remain in force until 14 August 2009 and that is was “necessary and proportionate” to impose the following conditions in order to uphold the licensing objectives of crime and disorder and public safety:

Andy Glover, Public Protection Manager for Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Today’s decision emphasises our commitment to creating a safe environment for people to socialise in.

"This hearing was needed to reaffirm to the club’s management the importance of upholding the conditions of their licence and their responsibilities to trade responsibly.

“Establishments that attract trouble aren’t good for the town’s reputation and undermine our positive work with licensees to make sure town centre visitors have a safe and enjoyable night out. We will continue to keep an eye on all town centre premises and ensure that adequate procedures are put in place to protect the public and prevent any further crime and disorder.”

Hughie Hardiman, Superintendent from Greater Manchester Police, added: “We have a duty to take action against any premises that we are concerned are becoming a focal point for antisocial behaviour and violence.

"We are confident that the conditions imposed will go some way towards ensuring that similar incidents will be avoided in the future.

“But we will be monitoring the ongoing situation closely, together with the Council, and failure to comply with the conditions or the occurrence of further violent incidents will result in additional action being taken, as maintaining public safety must be our priority.”