A Birmingham city centre nightclub has had its licence suspended and its supervisor removed after a girl under 16 was allegedly sexually assaulted on the premises.
The youngster was allegedly attacked at Club PST in Digbeth last Sunday, 27 July, prompting West Midlands Police to launch an urgent investigation. An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of raping the girl but has since been released on bail pending further review.
Birmingham City Council’s licensing committee took immediate action to suspend the venue’s premises licence, whilst Anthony Bethune was removed from his role as designated premises supervisor.
Police Link Venue to ‘Serious Crime’
West Midlands Police said they believe the Lombard Street club is “associated with serious crime or serious disorder or both” following the incident. The force revealed the venue was operating in breach of its licence conditions when the alleged assault occurred.
In documents submitted to the licensing committee, police stated: “On Sunday, July 27, the venue was open and trading. During the nights trading a serious assault took place inside the venue.”
The force emphasised the gravity of the situation: “This matter is a serious crime by virtue of the sentence tariff for the offence alleged.”
Immediate Steps Required for Public Protection
West Midlands Police raised serious concerns about the club’s adherence to licensing objectives, which include preventing crime and disorder, ensuring public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm.
“West Midlands Police have serious concerns for the promotion of the licensing objectives at this premises,” the force stated in its submission to the council.
Officers confirmed: “The premises have been carrying out licensable activity when the incident occurred and the premises has been in breach of its operating conditions of its premises licence.”
Summary Review Procedures Activated
The police applied for an expedited summary review of the venue’s licence, a procedure reserved for premises associated with serious crime or disorder. This fast-track process allows authorities to impose immediate interim steps to protect the public.
“In my opinion immediate steps are required that can best be achieved through the summary review procedures,” the police submission stated.
Summary reviews can be triggered when a senior police officer believes licensed premises are associated with serious crime, serious disorder, or both. The process enables licensing authorities to take swift action within 48 hours of receiving an application.
Council Committee Takes Decisive Action
Birmingham City Council’s licensing sub-committee convened to consider the police application and agreed that urgent measures were necessary. The committee imposed two immediate interim steps: removing Anthony Bethune as the designated premises supervisor and suspending the venue’s licence.
Committee chairman Councillor Saddak Miah confirmed the decision: “The licensing committee considered that the interim steps of the removal of the designated premises supervisor from the licence and suspending the licence was required to effectively address the problem.”
He added that “no alternative power would be appropriately address the situation to protect the public.”
Full Review Within 28 Days
The venue now faces a full licence review which must take place within 28 days of the summary review application. During this period, the club cannot operate or conduct any licensable activities.
At the full review hearing, the licensing committee will consider all evidence and can impose various sanctions, including modifying licence conditions, excluding specific licensable activities, removing the designated premises supervisor permanently, suspending the licence for up to three months, or revoking the licence entirely.
Background of Club PST
Club PST, located at 71 Lombard Street in Birmingham’s Digbeth district, has operated as a late-night venue specialising in underground music. The club’s motto “People Standing Together” has made it a known destination for reggae and dub music events.
The venue features three rooms and a rooftop terrace, operating primarily at weekends. It has previously offered a private members club with exclusive events for those holding annual memberships.
Wider Context of Venue Closures
The suspension follows a pattern of licensing actions taken against venues where serious incidents have occurred. Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police have consistently demonstrated their willingness to use summary review powers to protect public safety.
In recent years, several Birmingham venues have faced licence suspensions or revocations following serious incidents, including assaults and other violent crimes. The authorities maintain a zero-tolerance approach to venues that fail to uphold licensing objectives.
Investigation Continues
West Midlands Police continue their investigation into the alleged sexual assault. The 18-year-old suspect remains on police bail whilst officers conduct further enquiries.
The force has not released additional details about the incident to protect the victim’s identity and maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation. Sexual offences involving victims under 16 are treated with the utmost seriousness by both police and prosecuting authorities.
As the full licence review approaches, the venue’s future remains uncertain. The licensing committee will consider all relevant factors, including the venue’s history, the severity of the incident, and any proposed measures to prevent future occurrences.
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