Luxe Lounge: police apply for licensing review of bar after ‘underage children found inside’

A 14-year-old along with other under-age teens has been attending a Bolton town centre nightclub over the past few weekends, police have said.

Police in Bolton have applied for licence review of Luxe Lounge on Bradshawgate after finding the child and two 17-olds inside the venue in recent weeks.

A public notice giving details of the reasons for the review, which also include a lack of adequate door staff and a failure to install CCTV as required by a previous review, has been published by Bolton Council.

The application, dated 6 July, has been requested by Greater Manchester Police officer PC Ben Brookfield.

The application states that one of the reasons for the application is ‘the protection of children from harm’.

It adds: “The premises have failed to control and stop children from entering the venue.

“In recent weekends a 14-year-old has been frequenting the venue and two 17-year-olds were found inside.”

A second reason for the review ws cited as ‘prevention of crime and disorder’.

The notice states: “The premises have been open without sufficient door security staff on duty.

“This condition was implemented because of an expedited review and hearing, yet the premises have failed to comply.

“The premises has failed to install a CCTV camera on Princess Street as agreed at the previous hearing.”

What happens next?

Representations about the application, including those from the public can be made in writing to the council until 3 August.

A licensing panel will then hear the review and decide if any changes need to be made the to the premises licence of Luxe Lounge.

Last autumn, a similar review was requested to examine the premises licence of the Luxe Lounge after an incident in the early hours of 2 September, 2021, when father-of-two Robert Smethurst, 36, tragically lost his life while in the bar.

In April this year Robert Owen Greenhalgh, 31, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison plus a further three years and nine months on licence after pleading guilty to manslaughter and causing actual bodily harm.

Last year’s licence review made stipulations including the number of door staff and installation of CCTV.

The Luxe Lounge has been been contacted for comment.