A Birmingham nightclub, linked with gun and gang crime, is to remain closed for good after the owner lost his latest bid to secure a new licence.
The Elbow Room in Aston has been shut since a gun was fired outside it in April. The shooter, who has not been caught, missed his target and hit a car windscreen.
CCTV footage later revealed a customer in possession of a handgun inside the club – within sight of security staff.
Now the council’s licensing committee has ruled that it has no confidence that owner Colin Rogan can guarantee the safety of customers.
It was the second time in three months that Mr Rogan had tried to secure a new licence. This time he presented a new door security firm and pledged to install an ID scanner – which would take photographs and check passports or driving licenses of all customers.
Speaking after the hearing Mr Rogan ruled out an appeal, meaning that the bar will remain closed.
He said: “There will be no appeal. I am disappointed. I have offered every possible measure I can to keep the club safe and secure, but obviously the police have objections.”
The committee heard that police were opposed to the club reopening, even with the new security measures and a fresh door security firm employed.
PC Abdool Rohomon said that a gun had been taken into the club despite a knife arch metal detector on the door. “There was a lack of control inside the premises,” he added.
Police said that the club had run ‘high risk events’ which attract the gang element.
Committee chairwoman Barbara Dring said: “We are not satisfied that the conditions proposed will alleviate the concerns of police. We have no confidence the premises will be managed in a proper way.”
