Nightclub linked to city gangs refused a licence
ABIRMINGHAM nightclub shut down last year after a gangster fired a gun outside has been refused a new licence after it applied to open with a new name and manager.
Beorma launched in Fleet Street last January with the promise of bringing a “Miami nightlife experience” to the city.
But the venue had its licence revoked after a gun was fired by gangster Fabian Williams – who is linked to the Johnson crew – on the opening night.
Now business owner and lawyer Tariq Rashid has been refused a licence for the renamed Soiree Lounge venue after councillors said the business was persisting with the same “style of operation” and was trying to attract “the same clientele”.
Soiree Lounge has already opened on 12 different occasions between April 8 and August 13 of this year by using Temporary Event Notices (TENs).
Police had agreed 16 conditions with the venue ahead of Tuesday’s hearing, but had insisted on changing the wording of three – including one that said Zafaran Rashid (Tariq Rashid’s son) should play no part in the management or operation of the nightclub.
Zafaran Rashid was Beorma’s manager when the shooting took place.
At a revocation hearing last year police said the club was linked to Burger Bar and Johnson Crew gang members and they said Zafaran Rashid had shown a “cavalier attitude” towards licence conditions, which had been “deliberately breached”.
Licensing bosses were previously shown CCTV of clubbers drinking bottles of spirits on tables and people entering after midnight – in breach of the licence. The footage also showed four security staff carrying a coffin full of champagne through the club instead of carrying out their duties.
Sarah Clover, on behalf of the venue, had argued that the application was a chance for a “fresh start” after admitting there had been issues at the venue in the past.
Philip Davis, chairman of the Islington Gates Management Company, which represents local residents in nearby apartments, had asked councillors to refuse the licence. He said: “This start, it’s a rehash.”
The licensing committee, chaired by Councillor Alex Buchanan, refused the application and cited the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance.
Cllr Buchanan said: “The style of operation, type of venue and the clientele were very similar to when it was known as Beorma.”
The club was originally shut down when Williams fired a shot from a revolver after leaving Beorma early on March 13 last year.
Revellers were sent diving for cover but police knew nothing of the incident, which was not reported to officers, until detectives found footage on YouTube three days later.
Williams, linked to the Johnson Crew, has since been jailed for 14 years for possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possessing ammunition. is not a fresh