Troubled Brixton nightclub refused licence

Lambeth Council has turned down an application to reopen a troubled Brixton nightclub, after the club was shut down last year.

The J-Bar, in Stockwell Road, Brixton, had its licence revoked by the council in October after a raid by police where two loaded handguns and drugs were discovered.

The owner since lodged a new application with the council to reopen the nightclub, but on Tuesday August 14, the council’s licensing sub-committee refused the application.

The committee was not convinced that strong enough evidence had been shown by the owner that adequate steps would be taken by the club to prevent crime and disorder if it reopened. More than 60 local people had objected to the club reopening.

Lambeth Police and Lambeth Trading Standards also formally objected to the licence being granted.

Cllr Mark Bennett, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities on the council, said: “The public can rest assured that the council will not allow poorly run premises that endanger the public to operate in Lambeth.

"While we support a vibrant evening economy, our number one priority is to protect the public from harm and disorder.

"This sends a clear message that clubs and bars that breach their licensing conditions and attract crime and anti-social behaviour have no place in Lambeth, and the police and council will continue to work together to have them shut down.”

The discovery of handguns was one of a series of incidents at the J-Bar last year, which included reports of gunshots and on another occasion a large mob throwing bottles and stones at a person who was trying to leave the club.

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