A Birmingham City Council licensing sub-committee has revoked a nightclub's licence in light of a fatal stabbing that took place at the venue.

Birmingham resolved to suspend the venue's licence pending review on 30 December 2022, following an application from West Midlands Police (WMP) for an expedited review.  In its application for the review, WMP said it was concerned about how a knife could get inside the premises and suggested that staff were poorly trained.

Local Government Lawyer reported that, chairing the council's Licensing Sub-Committee B yesterday (24 January), Cllr Diane Donaldson announced that councillors moved to revoke The Crane's licence.

The decision came following representations by Environmental Health, Trading Standards and Birmingham City Council Licensing Enforcement, as well as the police and neighbouring business owners.

Police reported evidence of drugs being used within the premises to the council, highlighting an officer's account of arriving at the scene to find "hundreds of small drugs bags and nitrous oxide cannisters all over the dance floor".

The same officer described a "scene of chaos" and noted that staff were seen to be "wandering around all over the place" like they were "oblivious" to what was happening.

The committee also heard evidence from a licensing enforcement officer who supported the police's position, alleging that the zero-tolerance condition on drug use in the premisses licence was not being taken seriously or being enforced by the management of the venue.

The interim suspension imposed in December remains in place pending the determination of any appeal.

The criminal investigation into the stabbing is ongoing.

The Crane posted a statement to its social media immediately following the incident which said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened that a man lost his life last night as our Boxing Day event came to a close. Our thoughts are with the victim, and his family and friends.”

It added: “We are working closely with West Midlands Police as they investigate this crime.”

Soure: Local Government Lawyer