Watch: Illegal nightclub linked to stabbings in Birmingham is closed down

The nightclub, located in Lozells, has been the scene of a number of violent incidents
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Police have closed down an illegal nightclub that’s been linked to a series of violent offences including stabbings and serious assaults.

The club – known as The Red Door – behind Villa Road in Lozells has no planning permission, is not registered as a company and doesn’t have a music licence or permission to sell alcohol.

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West Midlands Police say they had lots of complaints about disorder from the venue and loud music disturbing neighbours and upsetting young children.

Inside the illegal nightclubInside the illegal nightclub
Inside the illegal nightclub

And there have also been several incidents of violence, including: a man was stabbed more than 10 times there during a fight on 31 October, there was another stabbing inside the illegal club on 18 June that saw a man suffer knife wounds to his leg, a large disorder on 1 August where glasses were thrown, Intelligence suggesting the place was used to deal drugs and gang activity, and police had reports of gunshots being heard in the venue.

The local neighbourhood team has been working with the council to build a case against venue management and on Wednesday (17 August) the force secured a closure order at Birmingham Magistrates Court.

There were lots of complaints from locals about loud musicThere were lots of complaints from locals about loud music
There were lots of complaints from locals about loud music

What has West Midlands Police said?

Inspector Nick Hill said: “This will come as a huge relief to local residents whose lives have been blighted by the anti-social behaviour and crime this venue attracts.

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“Clubs are bound by tight regulations to ensure customers are kept safe, such as security, CCTV and staff training, and disturbance is kept to a minimum for people living nearby. The main building was only approved for storage purposes only – but there was also a covered outdoor seating area, toilet block and kitchen. None of it had planning permission.

Cllr John Cotton, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities at Birmingham City Council, said: “We support this police action because unlicensed premises are, by definition, unregulated and we know there have been some significant concerns over this premises, so hope it shows we can work in partnership to keep our communities safe

“We will continue to work with West Midlands Police to tackle issues relating to illegal and unlicensed activity, anti-social behaviour and public safety and ensure Birmingham’s bars and clubs, as well the city’s streets, are safe for all their visitors.”

Boarded up: the club has been shut down and faces demolitionBoarded up: the club has been shut down and faces demolition
Boarded up: the club has been shut down and faces demolition

“We’ve been granted closure for three months initially but we’ll be seeking permanent closure and potential demolition.

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“Local police teams are working with our Gangs Unit to actively target anyone we suspect is linked to violence and organised crime. We run regular suppression patrols to disrupt gang activity and operations to target people causing harm in our communities. A utility company was also called to make the site safe and judged the dodgy wiring at the venue was potentially a risk to life.”

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