COUNCIL licensing bosses have proposed a host of measures in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour which has plagued Bromgrove’s night-time economy for the past two years.
However members of the district council’s licensing sub-committee stopped short of revoking 57 Monkey’s licence despite calls from West Mercia Police to do so.
The council’s decision to modify the Worcester Road venue’s licence followed an application from the force for a review of how it operated.
Police claim 57 Monkeys can be linked to at least 60 incidents over a two-year period, including serious assaults and wounding, heavily intoxicated customers being victims and offenders of crimes, disorder and anti-social behaviour.
“Victims have received serious injuries including skull fractures, bleeds on the brain, broken bones along with cuts, bruises and potential mental health issues and PTSD which follows being involved in or witnessing a significant violent incident or mass disorder,” the force said.
In addition, police said nearby residents quality of life had been ‘severely impacted’ with some having to clean up various bodily fluids from their gardens and front steps as well as having personal property damaged or destroyed.
Local businesses have also reported significant issues such as broken windows, according to the police.
Despite police asking for the licence to be revoked as ‘all other attempts have clearly failed to resolve the problems’, the council has proposed conditions to be introduced from August 31.
Among them is a reduction in opening hours and to when alcohol can be sold to 1am with the last entry no later than one hour before closing.
Pyjamas, tracksuits, caps and trainers will be banned under a modified dress code and every customer will now be required to be searched with a metal detector wand on entry.
CCTV will now be required in the toilets with footage from all cameras to be stored for at least 30 days and handed to police within 48 hours of a request.
The nightclub’s capacity will be reduced by 100 people and licenced door supervisors will be outside 30 minutes after it closes to ensure a ‘safe and orderly dispersal’.
57 Monkeys has until August 30 to appeal the decision.
A nightclub spokesperson said it was ‘disappointing’ the committee reached its decision and revealed it would remain open from 9pm to 4am Thursday, Friday and Saturday during the appeal process.
“After COVID we accept the venue and the town, along with many others in the country, experienced new challenges,” the statement read.
“These challenges have been addressed and we continue to work with the local authority to ensure we continue to deliver a safe night-time economy in Bromsgrove.”
