Empire gets ‘last chance’ by licensing committee

MIDDLESBROUGH’S Empire nightclub has been given a “final chance” and will see its licence restored later next month, subject to conditions.

The licensing committee at Middlesbrough Council said it had seriously considered revoking the venue’s licence after a “complete failure of management and door supervision” and a “pattern” of serious behaviour associated with the premises.

It had agreed to temporarily suspend the Empire’s licence last month prior to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend after a request from Cleveland Police.

This followed an incident in which a member of the public was filmed being hauled onto a pavement outside the Corporation Road nightspot and dropped head first. A man was arrested by police over the incident, footage of which was shared on social media, and bailed pending further inquiries.

A hearing at the town hall heard that a new, approved, security company had been engaged and the previous management team removed and replaced.

Coun Stephen Hill, chairman of the committee, said: “The majority of conditions have been agreed and due to the common ground between the parties, it has been decided to give the premises’ licence holder a final chance to continue to operate.”

He added: “Positive changes have been made…which will ensure the new operation will be safer and uphold objectives.”

The committee said there must continue at least to be one door supervisor to 100 customers.

Coun Hill said because of “ongoing serious issues and incidents at the premises” even a perceived low-risk event would still require that ratio. The committee also insisted that scanners should be used on every person entering the venue and rejected representations over this which said it would be “counterproductive” and cause tension and delays.