Dudley's Rock Zombie nightclub forced to tighten security after machete attack
A nightclub in Dudley has been forced to tighten security following a spate of violence – including a Christmas Day machete attack.
The owners of Rock Zombie have been warned they must comply with new safety measures, which have been laid down by police, or face losing their licence.
A doorman was struck with a machete in the early hours of Christmas Day as violence flared outside the club in King Street.
A group of men had been turned away from the rock venue as they appeared to be drunk and, unhappy about this, turned on door staff. A security worker was hit so hard with the machete that the weapon broke and it was only his body armour which saved him from serious injury.
There were also a number of incidents during February, including one where a man was left with serious injuries.
Police chiefs were so alarmed by events at Rock Zombie that they ordered the premises licence be reviewed.
Interim measures were put in place last month and now strict measures have been imposed which mean nobody will be allowed to enter after 1am and there must be at least six door staff on duty at all times.
Customers will also be searched amid concerns about weapons being brought into the club. A man was caught on CCTV removing a potato peeler from his bag having just left the club, Dudley Council's licensing committee was told.
Duncan Craig, a barrister representing West Midlands Police, said there had been a serious incident on December 25 and four incidents on separate dates in February.
Mr Craig said police chiefs had been encouraged by a reduction in violence since interim measures were put in place and were keen for them to continue.
Owners of Rock Zombie Kenny and Mandy Jinks said they were concerned that not being allowed to let new customers in after 1am was hampering their business.
But Mr Craig said: "West Midlands Police feels the premises needs to understand these conditions have worked and arrested a situation which was out of control.
"They need to be under no illusions that they need to comply with these thoroughly."
Mr and Mrs Jinks declined to comment on the outcome of the hearing.
