Club's licence suspended ahead of tougher conditions

A nightclub has had its licence suspended for six weeks amid allegations of the rape of an underage girl who was admitted to the club and served alcohol.

A review by Middlesbrough Council's licensing committee heard underage drinking at The Lounge Afrique, on Corporation Road, was "not an isolated incident" with other reports alleging suspected drink-spiking and sexual assault.

The venue must adhere to stricter conditions when it regains its licence, including new door staff wearing body cameras and photo ID electronic scanning.

Licence holder Percy Quarcoo previously accepted licence conditions had been breached, saying: "I hold my hands up, absolutely. We're deeply sorry about everything."

Following a hearing in August, the Labour-led council committee decided to suspend the licence for six weeks and impose new, more stringent, conditions on the venue.

When the temporary suspension is lifted, the nightclub must establish an electronic system to scan photo ID at the entrance, as well as carrying out risk assessments including fire risk assessments, and ensuring qualified first aiders are available on site.

Staff training should include licensing, conflict and incident management, CCTV, entrance and serving rules, customer safety and safeguarding.

Quarcoo will also be restricted from acting as premises supervisor or manager in sole control, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Cleveland Police must be told about a new proposed supervisor, who must be present at the bar during opening hours.

The club has 21 days to appeal to magistrates against the licensing committee's decision.

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