North West council defeats legal challenge over revocation of nightclub licence

Oldham Council has successfully defended a decision by its licensing panel to revoke a town centre nightclub after several incidents of disorder.

The owner of Vibez 924, Henry Okere, lost his appeal after a three-day hearing.

The licensing panel heard that there had been several incidents at the Yorkshire Street club, culminating in a man with two meat cleavers entering the premises, waving them around inside, before leaving.

Leila Ghahhary of Lincoln House Chambers, representing Oldham Council, told the latest hearing at Tameside Magistrates’ Court which finished on 26 September that the authority’s officers and the police had spent a lot of time with Mr Okere attempting to steer him in the right direction and advising him of changes required.

These did not come about, she said. There was also criticism of the door team at the club and their inability to deal with incidents.

The court was shown CCTV footage of several incidents of fighting and violence outside the club.

Anthony Horne, representing Mr Okere, told the court that changes could be made and that the business could be remodelled if his client was given a chance.

However, the magistrates dismissed the appeal and found that Greater Manchester Police were right to bring the review and the council made the right decision to revoke the licence.

Oldham Council said the court had stated they had little confidence in Mr Okere’s proposals for the future of his business and were not re-assured by his operating model.

The court added that ii they were to allow the appeal there would likely be a repeat of crime and disorder at the club and the public would be placed at risk.

Mr Okere was ordered to pay the council £4,000 in costs.

Cllr Sean Fielding, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “We want people to come into Oldham town centre at night for a good time not to be concerned for their safety.

“We’re pleased that the club is going to remain closed as there were too many incidents of violence there and public safety was being put at risk.

“Any club, or pub, needs to be managed effectively. If they aren’t then we will take action as this court case shows.”