Banqueting venue licence suspended amid murder probe

A BIRMINGHAM banqueting venue has had its licence suspended after police said they believed an incident inside the premises led to a man suffering fatal injuries.

Councillors suspended the licence of Cross Keys Banqueting Suite in Ladywood.

It followed an urgent licensing review hearing which was called for by West Midlands Police as a result of the events in the early hours of February 21.

A murder inquiry was launched after Robert West, 49 – who was also known as ‘Bob Fresh’ – died after being found with serious injuries outside the premises.

In papers to the sub-committee, Superintendent Jim Munro said: “Cross Keys Banqueting and Catering is a licensed premises located in Steward Street, Springhill, Birmingham.

“The premises is on a side street that comprises a number of commercial premises.

It does not have any other licensed premises nearby. “The venue is a destination venue. “The premises is licensed for live music, recorded music, performance of dance, late night refreshment and sale of alcohol by retail until an end time of 1am daily.

At 3.19am on February 21, a call from the ambulance service alerted police to an incident at the location.

“A male was found with injuries, and despite the efforts of the emergency services, the male was pronounced deceased.

“It is believed that the injuries were caused following an incident inside of the premises.

“A murder investigation is underway. West Midlands Police are concerned that at a time when the premises had no licence to trade, a man has tragically lost his life, and wish to bring this to the urgent attention of the licensing committee.”

The hearing was held in private for the most part, but at the meeting’s conclusion, councillors said the licence had been suspended pending a full review hearing on March 21.

The committee also removed the venue’s designated premises supervisor from the post.