Closure Order For Arches Nightclub

A popular Glasgow nightclub is being closed by licencing bosses after a series of police complaints over drug misuse and disorder.

The Arches in Glasgow will have to close at midnight every day after the ruling by Glasgow City Council licensing board.

Club bosses said it could lead to the closing of the venue as a whole, which also includes arts venues, theatre space, a restaurant and cafe.

Police raised licencing issues last year after the drugs-related death of 17-year-old Regan McColl at the club and a number of other incidents.

The club agreed to implementing a number of measures and it remained open, but issues were raised again recently.

The venue's executive director Mark Anderson told The Herald: "We are obviously very disappointed with today's outcome.

"We will now have to consider our options but the impact of this decision may well result in the closure of one of Europe's most highly-regarded arts venues and a key contributor to Glasgow's night-time economy.

"It's not only a bad day for the Arches but the portents don't look good for the wider licensed trade.''

A petition has started online calling for the reinstatement of the club's licence, with the organisers saying it has been set up after "months of harassment of the venue by Police Scotland, regarding apparent failures to act upon instances of drug misuse in the club as well as some alcohol-related offences''.

Chief inspector Mark Sutherland, area commander for Glasgow city centre, said: "Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe by promoting public safety and preventing crime and disorder within and associated with licensed premises.

"In order to maintain this commitment a review of the premises licence at The Arches was prepared and submitted to the Licensing Board for their consideration.

"We recognise the decision of the Licensing Board.

"Police Scotland will continue to work in partnership with all responsible licence holders and designated premises managers across Scotland.

"We strive to ensure licensed premises maintain a safe environment, free from violence, disorder, drug-taking and excessive levels of drunkenness - all of which can endanger people.

"Our aim is always to work closely with licence holders to uphold the law and provide a safe environment for their patrons to enjoy alcohol responsibly.

"Where breaches of licensing legislation occur we will take appropriate action and record and report this to the local licensing authority.''