We ask Birmingham: Should bars & nightclubs be held responsibe for customers' crimes?

A shooting last month led to the suspension of The Portrait Bar's license. Birmingham City Council has now lifted this under conditions agreed by the venue and Police.

Two people suffered injuries following the shooting that took place on December 18 in venue in The Arcadian. They issued a statement that they would actively support the police investigation, and have since agreed on conditions for reopening. Those wishing to go to the venue now may have to present ID and face a metal detection search to ensure a safe environment for all who attend.

I'm in Birmingham to find out whether people think venues should be culpable for the actions of their patrons. Nick says: “I think venues need to take complete responsibility. There's no reason they can't search everyone coming in. There's no reason they can't be mindful. I mean, they're profit-led, that's their reason to be.

"But they need to make sure they've got staff they can trust. They need to make sure they know what's coming in and going out. They need to make sure they know their clientele. I think they're 100% responsible.”

Rio says: “Right, so when it comes to venue owners and them being responsible for shootings, I think that sometimes things are out of your control. Do you know what I mean?

"As I've known people personally who've been injured and been in situations with the nightclubs and parties, it's hard to try and control everyone. I think that sometimes the venue owners have a part to play in it, but sometimes as well it's the public and, you know, it's the industry that you're in.”

Andreea says: “So in my opinion, that's a quite hard one. I think no, because it's not their fault if someone brings a firearm or a knife, or anything to harm other people, because they might have checked people.”

Baran says: “I do agree on that. It should be more safe with security and stuff, because loads of people go there drunk or whatever, they may have bad intentions.

"Instead of just giving a quick tap down, maybe we should have a little metal detector to see what they actually have on them, rather than just if they've taken alcohol."