Family of man killed in club back plan after drink change

THE family of a popular amateur footballer who was stabbed to death in a Black Country nightclub say they no longer have concerns about plans to transform the site after changes were made to prevent drinking into the early hours of the morning.

Soda Club, formerly Chicago’s nightclub, in Stourbridge will be turned into a cinema and community hub after plans were approved by Dudley Council.

Ryan Passey, 24, pictured below, was stabbed to death in 2017, as trouble flared at the town centre nightclub in one of the most high-profile West Midlands killings of recent years.

The venue has been closed since 2020, and work can now start on transforming it into a cinema.

The Passey family initially had concerns the cinema plans would allow visitors to drink alcohol until 3am, but say they have now been revised to ensure drinking stops at midnight.

They were adamant the venue should never again be used as “any form of club” again, including live music and heavy drinking.

Ryan’s mum and dad, Ade Passey and Gill Taylor, have also been assured a plaque installed outside the building in his memory would remain.

Family friend and spokesman Jason Connon told the Post: “James Anderson Brown has been in regular communication with myself and I have liaised with Ryan’s parents who have been supportive of his plans for the former Chicago’s venue to open as a cinema and community hub, subject to assurances given to us that Ryan’s plaque and memorial outside would remain.

“We did initially have concerns about the original application for the building that it could be used as a bar again with a 3am alcohol licence with no security or door staff, but following communications with Dudley Council and James, reassurances have been given that it will not be used this way, and we understand from James this has now been changed to alcohol being allowed until 12am.

“We are supportive that this will hopefully generate new jobs and also provide a hub for local community causes.

“Ryan’s family have always said they did not want to see the building used as any form of club again, i.e. DJs, live music, heavily promoted drinks promotions etc, and although we haven’t seen the final plans, remain supportive of James and hope his new venture is a success.”