Fire risk puts Stafford SKT show in doubt
A one-off music event at a popular nightclub in Stafford may be scrapped after concerns were raised over the safety of guests.
Bosses at Indi Bar on Riverside Mews want to host the event on August 30 featuring underground producer DJ SKT.
But Staffordshire Police has called for the event to be axed, claiming only 60 people could get out safely if there was a fire – even though up to 470 revellers are expected to attend.
Sergeant Tracey Carsley said: "A site visit was made to the location along with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service which caused serious concerns for the fire safety officer.
"The fire service has concerns that the means of escape provision is not adequate nor is the proposed lighting."
Indi Bar submitted a temporary event notice application to Stafford Borough Council earlier this month stating they wished to hold a 'concert to showcase a famous house DJ' adding that DJ SKT had been in the UK Top 20.
Staffordshire Police have formally objected to the proposal. Borough licensing chiefs will discuss the matter next Thursday.
In a report prepared for the meeting, Sgt Carsley branded the building at Espleys Yard as 'an empty shell' with no utilities and said visibility would be poor because the unit is boarded on all sides with no natural lighting.
But the major concerns surrounded the potential fire exits.
A fire safety officer ruled out a rear door at the back of the building because it was only accessible by a steep delivery ramp and also concluded that two others sets of double doors were inadequate.
Only the front door was identified as a reasonable means of escape but the report states that only 60 people would be able to get out if there was a fire.
The fire officer claimed that building work would be required to get the club up to standard which would not be completed before the date for the gig.
Sgt Carsley added: "The culmination of all the matters highlighted above gives me grave concerns that the organisers would not be able to ensure the safety of those using their premises during the event.
"Having considered the application, Staffordshire Police are opposed to the granting of this temporary event notice as it is felt that the event is likely to undermine the licensing objective of public safety.
"Should the event organisers be able to reassure the fire service that they have adequate provisions in place then Staffordshire Police shall withdraw their representations."
Bosses at Indi Bar declined to comment.
