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TAKING gun crime seriously ... Councillor Ian Duckworth
Nightclub in shooting probe must stay shut
20/12/2006
A BUSY town centre nightclub closed by magistrates after it was alleged a shooting took place, will not open for another three months.
The owners of Liquid Rock, Kandu Entertainments, has been asked to install airport-style security systems.
When the club reopens on 1 April it will do so under a new name and will close an hour earlier.
Magistrates swiftly shut the Great George Street club earlier this month at the request of the police after reports that a reveller had been shot during a brawl.
A man from Salford was later admitted to North Manchester General Hospital with a bullet wound to his buttock.
At a licensing committee meeting on Friday, councillors agreed to let the nightclub reopen as long as it abides by strict conditions.
The chairman, Councillor Ian Duckworth, told the Observer: "It must close an hour earlier at 3am, consult with the police if it brings in independent promoters and install airport-style security barriers.
"There will also be improvements in CCTV and more training for staff.
"It is a balance between a statutory order and a voluntary agreement."
The council was given the same power as magistrates to close pubs and clubs when new licensing laws came into force last year.
In May, councillors chose to shut the King's Arms in Langley, Middleton, after five shots were fired inside.
Councillor Duckworth said: "The alleged incident at Liquid Rock was of great concern. We have to take gun crime seriously and have a duty to protect the public."
Kandu Entertainments has denied any shooting took place at the nightspot.
Speaking after the meeting, their regional operations manager Phil Woods said he had already been in talks with the police with a view to installing more security before the alleged shooting.
"We have agreed to put a range of new procedures in place which will include employing new staff and training existing staff to a higher standard.
"This is something we feel is lacking in Rochdale and not just our venue."
He added: "We want to improve the venue to make it a safe and secure place to have a good night out."
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21/12/2006 at 15:31
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22/12/2006 at 05:50