Digbeth nightclub Luna Springs has had its licence suspended for 28 days after a double stabbing.
West Midlands Police made the emergency application for action following a violent incident at the club in Hack Street/Lower Trinity Street at the weekend, which saw two men stabbed last weekend.
It means the venue cannot operate without a licence.
READ MORE: Fate of Luna Springs in balance after double stabbing
Today, Wednesday May 13, Birmingham City Council’s licensing sub-committee agreed to suspend the venue’s licence for 28 days pending a full review. It puts imminent events in jeopardy including a massive fan park for Villa’s Europa League Final next Wednesday.
The full application was heard in private this morning after an application by the police. Pc Ben Reader, representing West Midlands Police, told the hearing the violence at a day rave at the venue had ‘attracted significant press interest; and ‘involved the use of a weapon inside a licensed premises.’
He said one person had been arrested and bailed but there were ‘outstanding offenders involved in this incident’. As a result the hearing was in private to ‘preserve integrity of the criminal investigation’.
Crowds were urged to leave the Cru2 event at Luna Springs after a double stabbing
The hastily-convened meeting, chaired by Coun Diane Donaldson, was called in the aftermath of the events of Saturday, May 9. Two men were rushed to hospital with serious injuries which were not considered life-threatening.
A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of wounding and later bailed with ‘strict conditions’. The application was made under Section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003.
Announcing the committee’s judgement, Coun Donaldson said the committee ruled the licence should be suspended for 28 days pending a full review.
She said the licence suspension would be lifted only once additional conditions agreed with the club owners had been introduced and police were satisfied with them.
A written decision would follow, and there was no right to appeal the findings, she added.
In their application, police said the premises had a large outdoor space with a stage, and it was there that a ‘disorder’ took place on Saturday. The force said: “This matter has resulted in two Section 18 Woundings being recorded.
“West Midlands Police has serious concerns for the promotion of the licensing objectives at this premises during this event. This is such a serious incident that West Midlands Police would like to request the licence is suspended.”
BirminghamLive is seeking additional comment from the club’s owners about the decision and about its plans for imminent events due to take place at the venue, including a massive celebration of Villa’s Europa League Final next Wednesday.