A nightclub is hopeful of reopening with extra conditions despite a three-month closure obtained by police.
Cheshire police used new powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to issue an interim closure order on Club Xes on Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port, on April 1.
A Chester magistrates hearing on Monday extended this until midnight on June 24 because of 19 incidents of anti-social behaviour and the detection of cocaine in the disabled toilets in conjunction with police intelligence about ‘drug supply’ at the premises.
But a licensing review will now take place which solicitor Barry Holland, acting on behalf of Mohammed Haque, the designated premises supervisor, hopes will result in the club being allowed to reopen well before June 24.
He told the court: “I’m pleased to say that in the last week considerable progress has been made with matters of concern to Cheshire Police as regards what they want to see put in place. I would hope your learned clerk can get the information to the local authority swiftly. They have to hold a review in 10 working days.”
He told the court his client was ‘very contrite’. He had ‘trusted other people who have let him down’ but was ‘doing his very best to reopen the premises.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Haque said he was ‘not happy’ with the outcome but had to accept the advice of his solicitor. He confirmed the attached Saffron Indian restaurant was unaffected and open as usual.
Mr Holland said in a statement: “Steps are being taken to improve what is an unfortunate situation. As soon as we can put those in place, the sooner we can hopefully reopen.”
The court order means no-one is allowed into Club Xes until 24 June 2015, and anyone who does enter is liable to arrest and up to six months’ prison, or a £5,000 fine, or both.
Chief Inspector Deborah Hooper said: “I am pleased with the outcome of this case, and I hope that the result serves as a warning to other licences premises who believe that anti-social behaviour is acceptable.
“We are wholly committed to do all we can to make Ellesmere Port town centre 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.”
Over the next three months regular checks of the premises will be conducted to ensure the closure order is not breached.
Chief Inspector Deborah Hooper added: “I urge anyone who is concerns about anti-social behaviour and alcohol related crime in their local community to contact us on 101.”
Alternatively, residents can report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
