Club scraps appeal over lost licence
Reporter: KAREN DOHERTY
Date published: 14 August 2009
A YORKSHIRE Street nightclub will remain closed nearly five months on from a triple stabbing.
Brownz bar has scrapped its appeal after it was stripped of its licence by Oldham Council’s licensing panel amid fears of more violence there.
The panel acted after Oldham police used emergency powers for the first time to shut the night spot.
Owner Winston Eastmond vowed to appeal, branding the action a “modern day lynching without the rope”. But this was withdrawn at the eleventh hour yesterday as it was due to be heard by magistrates.
Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure said: “I am pleased that this appeal has been withdrawn.
“The incidents that led the police to seek their first-ever emergency review of a licence in Oldham were very serious and it was the right decision for the licensing panel to revoke the licence.
“If any other person applies for a licence for these premises it will be dealt with as a new application in the normal way and the police, other responsible bodies and the community will have the opportunity to voice their objections.”
Violence flared between rival gangs from Oldham and Manchester in Brownz in the early hours of March 27.
This spilled into the street where three men were stabbed in the face, head and back. Mr Eastmond’s 23-year-old son was one of the victims.
A critical police report said Mr Eastmond had a total disregard for public safety and was not suitable to be the licence holder.
Oldham Council said that the appeal was withdrawn following discussions with police. Chief insp John Taylor said: “We feel that the recommendations by the licensing panel were right.
“I want Oldham to be a safe place. I want people to be able to visit the town centre in safety, enjoy the night life and go home safely.
“That is of paramount importance. If I need to take additional steps in future I would.”
Mr Eastmond declined to comment outside court.
No arrests have been made in connection with the stabbings. No further action was taken against a 26-year-old arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer during the incident.
The withdrawal of the appeal came just days after a BBC “Panorama” programme showed the horrifying consequences of the town’s binge-drinking culture.
Teenager Daniel Powell told how he needed 50 staples in his head after he was attacked with a bottle in June.
The security firm which provides the council’s taxi marshal scheme has also been suspended after two apparent marshals were shown headbutting, kicking and punching youths.
There has been a 200 per cent increase in violent crime in Yorkshire Street in the first four months of this year, with the council introducing tough rules to clamp down on cheap drink promotions.
