Crane Nightclub lose their licence after posing "terrifying risks" for guests

It comes after the death of Cody Fisher on boxing day

Police vans outside Crane nightclub
Author: Ella StirlingPublished 24th Jan 2023
Last updated 24th Jan 2023

The Crane Nightclub where footballer Cody Fisher died is to remain closed for good after having its operating licence permanently removed.

The nightclub had its licence first suspended for 28 days in December after accusations by West Midlands police that there had been "serious management failings" on the night of the incident.

And today, Birmingham City Council revoked the licence permanently.

In a verbal summary of police evidence to the committee, Gary Grant, a barrister representing the force, said the club's ongoing operation poses "terrifying risks" to patrons, and "grave" outcomes to public safety and the prevention of crime, inside the premises.

"That is why the police ask you to revoke the premises' licence," he added, saying the evidence justifies such action.

Mr Grant added that not only was a knife brought inside the club, but also drugs and there was "blatant" use of illicit substances, leading to three people needing treatment for an "overdose of one drug or another".

One female patient, carried out to an ambulance, was said to be "dribbling out of her mouth and barely breathing" before she was taken to hospital.

Mr Grant said: "Within just over three months, this venue is here facing a summary review, triggered by an individual being murdered inside the club. That, in itself, gives rise to rather terrifying risks involved in the operation of this venue."

Tributes left for Cody outside the nightclub

He added there was evidence of use and supply of nitrous oxide - known as laughing gas - and "hundreds of discarded drug bags, containing white powder" were found on the dance floor.

"The licence-holder, we say, failed to uphold the highest standards of management operation of this venue," said Mr Grant.

Searches of patrons were "inconsistent and haphazard", the venue's perimeter was "unsecured", and there was a "general perception this was not a properly-controlled event".

Mr Grant said there "were only two possible ways" a knife and drugs could get inside - either from the "inadequate" searches or "over an unsecured perimeter wall".

"Either way, when you are running a venue expected to have several thousand people attending, those are not the sort of details that can be overlooked or, indeed, forgiven, if there are issues that arise because of the inadequate operation of the premises," added the barrister.

In response to suggestions that security on the night was inadequate, a statement by the Crane nightclub said: "We have a thorough search policy in place for any and all patrons entering and leaving the venue. This includes the deployment of metal detectors, pat downs, pocket checks, wallet inspections, bag searches and age verification procedures.

"Searches are conducted in accordance with SIA (Security Industry Authority) guidance and best practice. The venue is patrolled by SIA security staff whom responded to the incident as it unfolded on the night.

"The relevant CCTV footage is with West Midlands Police and we are working closely with any requests to assist them with their inquiries.

"On Boxing Day we had an onsite paramedic led team as per our venue policy, who arrived at the scene quickly to administer first aid to the victim until the arrival of the Ambulance Service."

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