Express & Star

Security pledge as ex-Rock Zombie venue ready to reopen as Bar Diva

Bosses behind a new bar in the Black Country have been urged to ensure tight security – as the venue which used to occupy the premises became renowned for violence.

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Bar Diva is set to take over the premises of the former Rock Zombie nightclub in King Street, Dudley, after the latter had its licence revoked last summer.

In an application submitted to Dudley Council licensing chiefs this week, officers recommend 'internal and external CCTV to be installed at the premises and to be recording at all times' to the 'specifications of the West Midlands Police'.

Businessman Christopher Marson is behind the new venture.

When plans for Bar Diva were revealed, he told the Express & Star: "We are currently trying to open a gay, non-attitude bar on the site of the old Rock Zombie club. I'm currently working with two investors and the club could look set to open on March 31."

That deadline has now passed but the venue's licensing hearing is set to take place on Tuesday.

Rock Zombie was shut down following a series of violent incidents, including a Christmas Day machete attack in 2015. Police are now keen to ensure there is not a repeat of the violence at the new bar.

Conditions which have been suggested were set out in a council document ahead of the meeting.

It stated: "Registered door staff, including one female member of door staff shall be provided on those days when recorded or live music is being provided as entertainment, between opening and the end of licensed hours.

"All door staff must be clearly identifiable as door staff, with a Security Industry Authority (SIA) number visible.

"The premises shall maintain a record of full details of all door staff on duty at the premises, including SIA number and the signature of door staff upon start and finish of duty, countersigned by the Designated Premises Supervisor.

"All customers entering the premises when door staff are in place shall be subject to a bag and body search.

"Strictly no entry to the premises at any time to anyone under the age of 18 years old.

"Internal and external CCTV to be installed at the premises and recording at all times when the premises are open for licensable activity, to the specifications of the West Midlands Police.

"All images are to be recorded and retained for a minimum of 28 days and made available to any responsible authority upon request.

"A last entry policy of midnight into the premises. The use of breathalysers if a customer appears intoxicated."

The licensee wants recorded music from 9am until 3am, on Mondays and Thursday to Saturday, and until 2am on Sundays.

Finally, the licensee is requesting alcohol to be sold from 9am until 2am on Mondays and from Thursday to Saturday, and from 9am until 1.30am on Sundays.

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