Police have shut down "Britain's roughest nightclub" after it was linked to a string of violent crimes - including stabbings, assaults, drug-dealing and gangland activity. The nightspot - known as The Red Door - had been operating illegally for more than a year hidden behind an alleyway in the Lozells area of Birmingham.
It became known locally as being a haven for gangsters and led to it being dubbed Britain's roughest nightclub after a series of violent offences. One man was stabbed 13 times during a fight on October 31 last year while another was knifed in the leg on June 18.
Police say reports of gunshots had been heard coming from inside and several brawls had also erupted at the club, which was also used for drug-dealing. It had no planning permission, was not registered as a company and did not have a music licence or permission to sell alcohol.
Loud music being pumped from the building had also been driving residents around the bend and leaving young children distressed.
West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council built a case against the management and secured a closure order at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday (17/8). Video footage shows officers using bolt cutters to break their way into the premises and into a sheltered beer garden complete with barbecue, TVs and a pool table.
The clip also reveals a well-stocked bar and a dance floor with large speakers despite the building only having permission to be used as a warehouse or for storage.
Inspector Nick Hill said: “This will come as a huge relief to local residents whose lives have been blighted by the anti-social behaviour and crime this venue attracts. Clubs are bound by tight regulations to ensure customers are kept safe, such as security, CCTV and staff training, and disturbance is kept to a minimum for people living nearby.
“The main building was only approved for storage purposes only – but there was also a covered outdoor seating area, toilet block and kitchen. None of it had planning permission.
“We’ve been granted closure for three months initially but we’ll be seeking permanent closure and potential demolition. Local police teams are working with our Gangs Unit to actively target anyone we suspect is linked to violence and organised crime.
"We run regular suppression patrols to disrupt gang activity and operations to target people causing harm in our communities."
Reacting on social media, one person commented: "Knew they'd rumble this place eventually. Only a matter of time before it was shut down."
Another added: "Yep, Britain's roughest nightclub right there. You'd struggle to find one harder than that. You wouldn't catch me within a mile of it, lol."
A third person commented: "How are these places allowed to exist for so long? Sounds dodgy as hell."
Police said a utility company was also called in to make the site safe and judged the dodgy wiring at the venue was potentially a risk to life.
Councillor John Cotton, cabinet member for social justice, community safety and equalities at Birmingham City Council, said: “We support this police action because unlicensed premises are, by definition, unregulated and we know there have been some significant concerns over this premises, so hope it shows we can work in partnership to keep our communities safe
“We will continue to work with West Midlands Police to tackle issues relating to illegal and unlicensed activity, anti-social behaviour and public safety and ensure Birmingham’s bars and clubs, as well the city’s streets, are safe for all their visitors.”
