Legendary Reading venue to close permanently

The After Dark nightclub will have to close permanently, after it lost an appeal.

Reading Borough Council’s (RBC) decision to revoke the legendary club’s licence in June 2019 was upheld by the High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Tues 5th).

The club’s licence was revoked by the council due to noise and safety concerns but, according to manager Zee Khan the magistrate upheld the decision because of the noise issues.

Mr Khan said the decision was upheld due to one family complaining about noise from the club.

He said the judge made a mistake, saying there had been eight noise complaints in two years when there was four complaints and he was unable to correct him.

Concerns had also been raised at the RBC June 2019 hearing about a violent incident, but Mr Khan said the judge was not concerned with this.

“It doesn’t change this place from being the community asset it has always been and we look forward to developing that in the future under new management.” Club Manager Zee Khan

The magistrate praised the community aspect of the venue, according to Mr Khan, who said this would be the focus of the venue in the future.

But the magistrate said he “had no faith” in Mr Khan resolving the noise issues, according to the manager.

Asset

Last month, the nightclub at 112 London Road was granted Asset of Community Value (ACV) status following an application from Reading Civic Society.

ACV status can provide a means for planners to refuse consent for redevelopment and also means that the building cannot be sold for alternative uses without the knowledge of the local community.

If the owner of an ACV building wants to sell the property, they must contact the council, who will notify the community group that nominated the asset.

The community group then has the opportunity to register its interest as a potential bidder, triggering a six-month moratorium period during which, subject to certain exceptions, the owner can only sell the asset if it is to a community interest group.

After the six-month moratorium period, the owner can sell to whomever they choose.

The club has been in existence since 1973 and bands such as Supergrass and Radiohead have played on the tiny stage.

The council has on three occasions refused permission to demolish the club and turn it into flats.

• after dark club
• Reading
• licensing