Club 'flouting safety issues' faces licence review

A Wolverhampton nightclub accused of ignoring safety measures before a stabbing happened faces a reconvened hearing on whether it can keep its licence.

The altercation outside the entrance to Oxygene in Queen Street, in March was broken up by members of the public while security staff failed to intervene or called police.

A council agenda also stated that a month later about 400 youths congregated outside the venue at an under-18s' evening leading to a fight breaking out.

West Midlands Police called on the council to review Oxygene's licence and a new hearing has been scheduled for 17 July after one last month was suddenly adjourned only one hour in due to "unforeseen circumstances."

The force said it had "lost confidence" in owner Alex Osiagor to manage the venue and risk assess events properly and it would be looking to cut back the club's opening hours and suspend the licence until all breaches were addressed.

The club is currently licensed to sell alcohol until 06:00 BST and allowed to open from midday to 06:00 every day.

Mr Osiagor told police the under-18s event on 4 April was an invite-only party organised by students from Wolverhampton, but the event had drawn huge crowds after being advertised on social media.

The crowds then amassed outside after they were barred entry to the club which had reached capacity, he said.

When the council contacted him over concerns from licensing officers and police, Osiagor said no under-18s functions would take place due to problems faced.

However, an 18th birthday party with an expected 150 guests, which breached the club's capacity by 40 people according to West Midlands Fire Service, took place a week later.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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