Black Country nightclub shut down over gang concerns

West Midlands Police decided to take action against Pulse nightclub in Brierley Hill following two stabbings and a gun shot in the last year.

They had been able to identify several of the club's clients as having ties to the Johnson Crew, the Burger Bar Boys and other criminal elements referred to as the Sandwell Affiliated Crime Group.

A Dudley Council licensing sub-committee decided on Tuesday to revoke the club's licence.

Licence holder Steve Simpson had surrendered the licence hours before the meeting at the council's chambers on Priory Road, but it was decided to proceed with the review.

Dudley Licensing Officer, Pc Sunny Cheema, said: "We are very pleased with this result.

"Pulse as a venue put Dudley borough at risk of increased gang activity and the licensee offered limited control and management to counteract this, despite the many conditions already requested via his license.

"This proactive enforcement sends out a clear message to other licensed premises that any venues in the area that breach their licensing conditions will be investigated and action will be taken."

During the hearing the sub-committee was told a shot had been fired outside the club on Dudley Road on January 25 and a stabbing had taken place on October 12.

But it was a further stabbing on November 2 - in which three people were taken to hospital - which prompted police action.

Speaking on behalf of West Midlands Police, barrister Andrew Evans said Pulse had developed a tolerance of gang members who were allowed to enter the club with weapons.

He said: "It is all a question of risk. The police's position is that over the last year this premises, under the control of Mr Simpson, has become far too closely associated with serious organised crime.

"The police feel unless it is shut someone would get killed this Christmas. The whole place is tainted with a tolerance and a fear of organised crime.

"It is very important the premises has a reasonable break in trading. If it were to open again in the near future there is a very good chance, based on our intelligence, that something will happen again."

In addition to revoking the licence, the sub-committee - chaired by Labour councillor Donella Russell - extended a suspension of the licence, enacted in November, to prevent the club re-opening following an appeal.

Councillor Russell said: "This sub-committee is satisfied Pulse has gained a reputation for gang affiliated crime and the club tolerates that activity."

The Security Industry Authority, which is responsible for regulating the private security industry, said it was 'aware' of the venue and looking into whether its security staff had the required licences.

Mr Simpson has 21 days to appeal against the decision.