Birmingham Strip Club to remain open after rape allegation

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A Birmingham strip club may remain open after its license is suspended following a rape allegation involving “up to” four men.

A report to West Midlands Police Advisers said the force received a call on September 26 that a member of the public had just been raped at the Rocket Club on Broad Street.

The same account indicated that “up to” four men had “been involved” in the alleged rape.

READ MORE: Rocket Club license suspended after ‘woman was raped by up to four men’ at Broad Street site

The club was the subject of an urgent license review hearing last month, when councilors made the decision to suspend the site’s license.

Since then, the club has appealed opposing protective measures including the suspension which was then lifted.

And now, councilors have once again decided that the license should be reinstated following a full review hearing to determine the future of the location.

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A Birmingham City Council Licensing Subcommittee hearing was held online today and made available to the public via YouTube.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ attorney Heath Thomas represented the property’s owners, Balevents Limited. PC Ben Reader spoke for the West Midlands Police.

The licensing subcommittee at today’s meeting was made up of Chair Cllr Diane Donaldson, Cllr Bob Beauchamp and Cllr Martin Straker Welds.

The testimony was heard in private due to an ongoing police investigation.

READ MORE: Rocket Club may reopen after alleged rape involving up to four men

Speaking after the closed session, President Cllr Donaldson said: “After much deliberation we have reached a decision.

“And this is after reviewing the premises license held under the Licensing Act of 2003 by Balevents Limited with respect to The Rocket Club […], following an expedited review request made on behalf of the West Midlands Police Chief, this Sub-Committee hereby decides that the license suspension is lifted […].

“A full written reasoned decision will be available at the end of the day. Thank you for everyone’s patience.

Under the license of the venue, it can host live and recorded music, dance, provide dancing facilities, and sell alcohol between 10 a.m. and 6 a.m. – its opening hours.

It can serve refreshments at the end of the evening between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

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