Welcome after Wolverhampton club wins back licence

The council's licensing committee revoked the licence of the Prince Albert in September at the request of the police, after a serious violent incident outside the premises earlier this year.

Bosses at the club, in Railway Street, lodged an appeal against the decision and a hearing was due to take place at before magistrates next month.

However, following talks between the club, the police and council, an agreement was reached earlier this month which has meant the appeal was dropped and the licence reinstated.

Nathan Thaker, the new general manager of the Prince Albert, said: "Following discussions with the council and police, we have worked hard to bring together a new management team and a new security provider. This, along with our refurbishment planned for January, means that 2016 will get off to a positive start for the Prince Albert."

Earlier this month the authority agreed to grant a consent order, essentially giving the venue its licence back.

Club bosses have had to agree to to a series of strict conditions designed to keep customers safe.

They include reduced opening hours from 7am to 3.30am, comprehensive staff training, improved security, including extra door staff and high definition CCTV covering all public areas, as well as a new music policy..

Councillor Alan Bolshaw, chairman of the council's licensing committee, said: "We have never wanted to see this landmark city centre venue shut its doors, but the action we took was essential to ensure public safety.

"Quite rightly, we and the police were not prepared to allow this bar to continue operating as it had been and took firm action which has led the owners to radically change their approach.

"We are now satisfied that they are committed to providing a safe night out for their customers with new management, better security and a change in music policy - and we will therefore be reinstating the licence enabling the business to continue."

The club had remained open until the outcome of the appeal was known. If magistrates had found the revocation should stand, the venue would have had to close with immediate effect.