Area nightclub management respond to licence hearing (From Watford Observer)
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Area nightclub management company, Gatecrasher, respond to licence hearing
5:45pm Friday 12th October 2012 in News
Area nightclub management respond to licence hearing
The owners of Area nightclub have announced the venue is due to undergo a £500,000 refurbishment when it closes for two months.
Today the club agreed to shut temporarily at the beginning of November and open again under a new name after police applied to have it stripped of its licence.
At a hearing at Watford Borough Council today, Hertfordshire Constabulary said it would withdraw its request for Area to lose its licence if it agreed to a list of restrictions and conditions.
However the Area’s parent company, Gatecrasher, has since blamed the problems that led to the hearing on a large fight last August, which it says was caused by the riots.
In a statement the club said: “The club came into the spotlight following an isolated incident outside the club in August last year.
“This one-off incident was sparked by the inner-city riots that swept across the UK and engulfed the capital.
“This incident and subsequent unrest was unprecedented. Area's management team co-operated fully and immediately with Hertfordshire Constabulary to minimise this disorder and Area security assisted local police in walking the group of potential rioters out of the town centre.”
Following today’s decision, Simon Raine, managing director of Gatecrasher, said: “Safety and security has always been a top priority at Area and remains so moving forward.
“The safety of everyone who comes through our door is of the upmost importance and we continue to strengthen our operational policies and procedures.
“We remain totally committed to business in Watford and have a significant long-term financial investment in the town. Ultimately we want to work closely with the Council and Hertfordshire Constabulary.
“We all have the same goal – public safety is of paramount importance and we must work together on this.
“To have the ultimate night-out, people need to feel safe, so we have invested a lot of time and money ensuring we get this right. We are working with the relevant authorities to underpin Area as a safe and exciting entertainment destination”
Area’s parent company Gatecrasher said it had previously received awards for security including the Best Bar None Awards supported by the Home Office.
Gatecrasher said it has also recently rewritten the company’s health and safety and operational manual.
The club’s senior management team said it is completely committed to the total safety and security of their clubbers, which remains an absolute priority.
Area nightclub will be open for business until its temporary closure.
Gatecrasher said the clubs new management was asked all clubbers on a night out to be mindful of residents in the area.
Neil Jennings, Area's new designated premises supervisor and business manager, added: “We have trained our staff in a range of areas ranging from conflict management to licensing laws.
“Staff selection has been very thorough in order to get the right people for the team. Responsible serving of alcohol, ID checks and drug policy has been covered. We have a zero tolerance policy on disruptive behaviour and we will be working closely with local authorities.”
Comments(10)
drunkenduck
says...
9:41pm Fri 12 Oct 12
What riots, there wasn't any riots in Watford last year in August.
TRT
says...
10:09pm Fri 12 Oct 12
Is that another one that you can buy?
Harry Caine
says...
11:30am Sun 14 Oct 12
Gatecrasher Clubs and Bars Ltd:(name change 2008 from dormant company)
Accounting Reference Date: 31/05
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/05/2010 (FULL)
Next Accounts Due: 29/02/2012 OVERDUE
Last Return Made Up To: 24/05/2012
Next Return Due: 21/06/2013
Gatecrasher Ltd (incorporated 2009)
Accounting Reference Date: 31/08
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/08/2011 (DORMANT)
Next Accounts Due: 31/05/2013
Last Return Made Up To: 24/08/2011
Next Return Due: 21/09/2012 OVERDUE
From an accounting viewpoint doesn't seem a very well company does it? So where are they getting all this dosh from.
As for the rest of it ............., my guess is that it will just close.
Harry Caine
says...
11:32am Sun 14 Oct 12
Both Companies have the same registered address
Harry Caine
says...
11:42am Sun 14 Oct 12
Gatecrasher Holdings Ltd (Inc 2001)
Accounting Reference Date: 31/05
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/05/2010 (GROUP)
Next Accounts Due: 29/02/2012 OVERDUE
Last Return Made Up To: 20/05/2012
Next Return Due: 17/06/2013
Gatecrasher Events Ltd
(Incorporated 1999 dissolved 2008)
Accounting Reference Date: 31/05
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/05/2003 (SMALL)
Next Accounts Due:
Last Return Made Up To: 16/04/2003
Next Return Due:
This would all be ringing very loud warning bells for me if I was dealing with them in any way.
Watfordb&b
says...
4:53pm Sun 14 Oct 12
If they can spend that money why did they agree so easily to the close?
Harry Caine- think you are right, they are on the way down.
Oxhey-Moron
says...
5:23pm Sun 14 Oct 12
drunkenduck wrote:True, but a lot of people do come from North and West London to visit Area and Oceana on a night out.
"Area’s parent company, Gatecrasher, has since blamed the problems that led to the hearing on a large fight last August, which it says was caused by the riots".
What riots, there wasn't any riots in Watford last year in August.
Honest Rog
says...
10:51am Mon 15 Oct 12
GeorgeRyan
says...
3:56pm Fri 19 Oct 12
The councils decision, in the end, was the right one. The town centre needs to be safe at night, but the night time economy is also vital to Watford. It attracts visitors from miles away, and if promoted properly, can leave people with a positive image of the town. Don't cut off your nose to spite your face!
croxley46 says...
6:32pm Fri 12 Oct 12