Owners launch appeal against decision

VOODOO’S owners say they have launched an appeal against the council’s decision to revoke their licence.

A statement on the nightclub’s Facebook page said the council’s decision means ‘absolutely nothing’ and they are hopeful of ‘continuing as normal in January following a successful appeal’.

Owner and managing director Rick Stansfield attended the licensing meeting, however he was unable to speak at the hearing because he had not given prior notice to the council.

Speaking to the Observer after the meeting, Mr Stansfield said the club had implemented numerous changes following concerns raised by the police and licensing bosses.

These included increasing the number of door supervisors, having fewer bar staff to slow down the speed of service, decanting all glass bottles into plastic cups and ending ‘all inclusive’ drinks promotions which entitle clubbers who pay a one-off fee to multiple drinks.

Mr Stansfield said this had led to a ‘significant drop in police incidents’.

He said: “The review first got brought to my attention due to a specific drinks deal we were running which was an ‘All Inclusive’ deal on Fridays.

“Before I started this promotion I spoke with Sgt Jason Middleton to discuss the deal and we agreed that it would be fine to implement, but that it would be monitored.

“I like to work closely with the police and authorities in all aspects and regularly made contact with Jason to see if there were any issues he had. I take our responsibility very seriously for the public safety of our customers.”

Mr Stansfield, who has run the club since 2011, said drinks promotions have helped to quadruple the number of customers and also boost other local businesses.

He said: “Our trade in Accrington is dying and Fridays used to pull a customer base of around 50 to 70 customers.

“Now we have 300 customers on a Friday and it has put life back into Accrington nightlife, bringing more business not just for myself but other businesses in Accrington.

“If we were to stop drinks promotions then it would seriously put my company into difficulties and may even have to cease trading which would be a major loss to Accrington nightlife and not only would see the loss of jobs to 25 of my staff members but also other venues.”