Operators behind Rosies nightclub in Chester have voluntarily agreed to a two-week closure to usher in stringent measures following police concerns about alcohol-related crime and disorder.
If all goes according to plan, the legendary Northgate Street venue should re-open on Thursday, July 21.
Cheshire Police issued a closure notice last Thursday (July 7) afternoon following two serious assaults in the early hours of that day which led senior officers to lose confidence in management.
The constabulary had today (Tuesday, July 12) intended to seek a closure order at Chester magistrates which could have led to the city centre premises being shut for up to three months.
However, on Monday police met with the operators where a compromise deal was reached with a commitment to a series of as yet undisclosed measures aimed at preventing trouble. The Chronicle has asked both the police and the operator to share details of proposed actions but both have so far refused to comment.
Police had been monitoring the premises for just over a year during which time it was claimed there had been 98 incidents of crime and disorder.
The initial closure notice, under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, was triggered by two early hours assaults which happened within half an hour of each other.
A 21-year-old male from Gillingham was arrested and bailed pending further enquiries in relation to an assault on a 22-year-old man which began in the club and spilled out onto the street. The victim was taken to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool after suffering serious facial injuries.
The second assault involved two women; a 25 year-old woman from Flintshire was arrested and bailed on suspicion of assaulting of a 22 year-old woman who was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital with a head injury.
Chief Inspector Mike Evans said: “This is one of several recent incidents which led us to take this action and resulted in a hearing at Chester Magistrates Court. Following extensive discussions, an agreement was reached with the nightclub owners which means as well as the two week closure, they will be adhering to very strict conditions which, if not adhered to, could see Rosies closed again.
“This isn’t a soft option as we will be keeping a very close eye on the club and will be working closely with them. If they step out of line, there will be consequences.
“We are wholly committed to do all we can to make Chester a safe and vibrant place for people to enjoy. We will act robustly against those who commit acts of crime and anti-social behaviour and address premises that fail to fulfill their obligations under the Licensing Act.”
A spokesman for Rosies nightclub said: “The team at Rosies have been and will continue to work closely with the police to ensure that additional measures are put into place to prevent future incidents of this nature.
"Whilst we are an entertainment venue and want our customers to enjoy themselves, public safety is our number one priority. We are very fortunate to have a great customer base at Rosies, so recent events are certainly not the norm, and we look forward to welcoming our regulars back on Thursday 21st July.”
Police urge anyone with concerns about anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime in their community to call 101. Alternatively, residents can report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
