‘IRRESPONSIBLE’ drinks promotions, underage drinking and violence were just some of the reasons listed by police in an attempt to revoke a nightclub owner’s premises licence at a review, which was held recently.
But Mark Livingston, who has now sold 90 Degrees, in Westgate, Grantham, claimed he was being wrongly victimised by the police and could no longer operate the premises effectively due to their intervention.
The club closed on October 23.
Police spokesman James Newall said: “We make no response to any complaints made by Mr Livingston.”
The review of the licence was requested by the police last year as they believed that the licensing objectives of prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and protection of children from harm were being undermined.
The Licensing Committee review report states: “The Committee was satisfied that there was evidence relating to the undermining of crime and disorder which was largely due to poor management at the premises.”
Police solicitor Mr Richardson told the committee about the drinks promotion, which featured alcoholic drinks for 50 pence.
He said this had led to an increase in incidents. Although Mr Livingston denied that any trouble in the town was anything to do with the drinks promotion.
Mr Richardson also highlighted the problem of underage drinking at the club.
As well as fights it was noted that a sexual assault had taken place after the victim and the offender, who were aged 16 and 17, had been seen in the club.
Mr Livingston agreed that there is a problem with underage drinking in the town but it was not specific to 90 degrees.
Police licensing officer Dale Walker said the premises was not being targeted, but insisted there had been ‘considerable crime and disorder issues in September and October’.
Mr Livingston, who stands by his feelings that his venue was victimised and that that police action against the club was unfair, confirmed that he had no longer had a link to the licensing trade and had sold the business.
Police spokesman Mr Newall added: “We are working positively with the new owners and the intention is that the premises will re-open with stricter licensing conditions that are adhered to. It is hoped that this should negate the need for any further action.”
The committee concluded that they were satisfied that the club was closed and had been sold.
The final decision on the licence was adjourned until next month. In the meantime Mr Livingston is expected to transfer the premises’ licence and the deisgnated premises supervisor should be removed.