Bristol nightclub shuts after losing revocation appeal

A Bristol nightclub has lost its licence after magistrates rejected an appeal against revocation.

Bristol City Council revoked Panache’s licence following a police application for review in October 2010. However, the club’s owners appealed the decision, which meant it could continue to trade pending the appeal.

In April this year the police applied for a summary review, following an incident in which a serious assault went unreported. This resulted in Panache’s immediate closure. The licensee also appealed that decision and the two appeals were conjoined.

At a five day appeal hearing, the owners claimed that the recorded incidents had been exaggerated.

But the police applied to be joined as parties to the appeal and produced 4,000 pages of original records. These showed a history of drunkenness, underage admission and violence both inside and outside the club.

The licensee argued that the level of incidents was normal for a city centre nightclub. Panache’s management also claimed they had dealt with the incidents well and that they could not be held responsible for events away from the premises.

The justices at Bristol Magistrates’ Court rejected the appeal, however. They concluded that the licensing objectives had been repeatedly compromised, and that management had failed to recognise the problems and tackle them.

The magistrates also said it was their job to take action in the interests of the wider community, rather than those of the individual licence holder.

Philip Kolvin QC of 2-3 Gray’s Inn Square represented the council.