Manchester's Factory nightclub to fight licence suspension following violent brawl
Club bosses will appeal the council's decision.
Last updated 19th Dec 2018
Factory bosses will fight the council’s decision to suspend its licence after an attack outside the club – just a fortnight after agreeing to it.
An appeal hearing will be held on Thursday.
The decision earlier this month to temporarily strip the club of its licence came after footage emerged of a violent brawl.
St Helens Rugby League player Joe Sharratt, 18, suffered a bleed on the brain when he was knocked unconscious and his friend Leon Cooper, also 18, was repeatedly punched during the attack.
Seven people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The suspension was not challenged at the hearing earlier this month by Factory bosses, whose solicitor agreed it was important the club stayed closed while a full review is carried out.
The date for that full review of the licence is set for December 28.
But it seems they have since changed their minds.
City centre spokesperson Councillor Pat Karney said: “I’m completely surprised by this about turn.”
“It seems to me that the running of the club had many shortcomings, not just the security staff outside.” he added.
Factory bosses did not respond to a request for comment.