Stafford nightclub can keep premises licence after stabbing and 'security personnel using violence'
A Stafford nightclub can keep its licence following a review by councillors.
Staffordshire Police requested a review of Casa’s premises licence just days after a man was stabbed on land near the Bridge Street venue.
Casa stated in a social media post that the incident, shortly after 4am on September 27 in Bridge Street, took place after the venue had closed for the night, on land outside the premises.
A separate investigation was launched after footage was posted on social media allegedly showing an incident involving security personnel in the early hours of October 19. The venue said on its Facebook page that the footage allegedly showed “security personnel using violence against someone believed to have been attempting to get in to Casa".
The post added: “We are shocked and appalled by the actions shown on the video. Security personnel are deployed at Casa to protect our staff and customers.
“In light of the contents of the video, we will be working with the police and other responsible authorities to assist with their investigations in addition to taking our own decisive action to ensure that our customers and staff feel safe and welcome at Casa.”
A new security team was later brought in at the venue. A Casa spokesman said: “We’ve been working extremely hard behind the scenes.
“This includes bringing in a brand new front-of-house security company and installing the latest security technology to create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for our guests and staff. After 18 years of service and over two million guests, we want to reassure everyone that we are taking every step to ensure your nights at Casa remain enjoyable, inclusive and safe.”
On Wednesday (December 3) Stafford Borough Council’s licensing sub-committee met to review the premises licence. Most of the hearing took place behind closed doors, but the panel’s decision was made available to the public.
Councillor Brendan McKeown, who chaired the panel, said: “It is disappointing that it became necessary for a long-standing establishment to be brought in for review. However, the sub-committee acknowledges there have been changes within the premises since the application for review to address the clear and repeated failures.
“Having considered all the information, the licensing committee has decided the premises licence shall remain and that additional conditions will be added to the licence. Any failure to adhere to the licence conditions could result in further review and a different decision could be reached.
“The sub-committee suggest a review of the positioning of the external front door camera. A review should be conducted due to the door glazing obstructing the camera image.”
