JB's to close after final party

Struggling Black Country music venue JB's will close its doors to the public after a farewell bash tomorrow, it was announced today.

Staff at the nightclub in Castle Hill, Dudley, will be throwing its last party to mark the departure of managers Sam and Sue Jukes.

The party is designed to use up all remaining stock before the couple retire and the club, which is in administration, closes. It has been dubbed "drink JB's dry".

Administrator John Travers, from Stourbridge-based John D Travers & Co, said despite Mr and Mrs Jukes' desire to stay on at the club, he had reviewed the figures and made the decision to close the club down until a new buyer is found.

"Even though the business will no longer be trading after Friday, they will both maintain their directorial responsibilities so will still be in charge in that sense," he said.

"We have been considering whether it was possible to open beyond the new year celebration, and as there is some stock left we saw an opportunity to show JB's out with a bang."

He said he was still receiving declarations of interest from people looking to buy the venue, and was still in advanced negotiations with one potential buyer. Up to 25 full and part-time jobs will go unless a buyer can be found.