Drugs, fights, gangs: Wolverhampton's Prince Albert loses licence

West Midlands Police has been successful in its bid to have the city centre club's licence revoked.

It comes after a man was left fighting for his life have been stabbed at the Railway Street venue in June.

And on New Year's Eve 2014 a woman was bitten on the nose and face before being dragged to the floor by a man who then stamped on her head and body.

Police said they also believed gang members and drug dealers were visiting the club and that there were simply too many fights breaking out.

The decision to revoke the licence was made at a Wolverhampton council licensing sub-committee meeting.

West Midlands Police barrister Peter Taheri said: "The police have been here before, they have made it clear to the current manager and previous managers what is expected of them.

"These steps are not taken lightly but the police feel they have no other option but to seek a removal of the licence for this premises."

The Prince Albert has gone through numerous changes over the years.

Current boss, Sarah-Emma Hughes, was deemed 'by far the most competent to date' by police, but officers said they had no choice but to take action following the stabbing.

The meeting heard that Miss Hughes and owner Ryan McGillicuddy, from Stourbridge, had this year changed the name to The Mansion at The Prince Albert for a fresh start.

Styled as a 'mansion' for clubbers, it re-opened after a £200,000 refurbishment in March.

But the trouble continued, with police saying the venue placed high demand on emergency services and there was poor communication between managers and the licensing authorities.

The decision to remove the licence was made on the grounds of maintaining public safety and preventing crime and disorder.

The Prince Albert will stay open until a closure notice is served, which could happen this week. Bosses said they are planning to appeal the decision.