Police request to close The Arches in Glasgow is refused

A police request for The Arches in Glasgow to be shut down has been refused.

Glasgow Police asked for the permanent closure after a woman was found unconscious in the club on Saturday, leading to an emergency closure under the Licensing Scotland Act 2005, but Glasgow City Council's licensing board turned down the police application.

The club's lawyer successfully argued that the police's request was an "inappropriate measure" to deal with drug-related incidents and stated it was only viable when dealing with disorder.

Licensing board chairman, Councillor Bill Butler, said: "After considering a preliminary motion from the licensee, the board was not satisfied that the closure order procedure was appropriate in this case.

"However, we recognise the serious concerns being raised by Police Scotland in relation to these premises."

He also said if a premises review application was made it would be "prioritised by the board" as soon as possible.

The Arches posted a statement on its website yesterday, detailing its disappointment of having its licence reviewed, after a 17-year-old died after falling ill there last year, but made it clear health and safety is a priority.

"Having worked in increased partnership with Police Scotland and done all that has been asked to further mitigate risk at club events since the tragic events of February 2014, the Arches is disappointed to be summoned to tomorrow's Licensing Board hearing.

"However, we remain wholly committed to the health and safety of our customers and are fully prepared to consider any further recommendations that the hearing may bring."

The club's expected to post an update regarding the outcome by 5pm today.

[ Via: BBC News]