Councillors revoke licence at Walsall nightclub over public safety failings

A Walsall nightclub has lost its licence following a ‘sustained pattern of public safety failings’.

The review into Chambers on Bridge Street was brought before Walsall councillors at the request of West Midlands Police.

Both the force and West Midlands Fire Service called for its revocation at a meeting on October 13.

Officers said various visits over a prolonged period revealed ‘ongoing management failings’ and a ‘sustained pattern of systemic non-compliance’.

They reported locked doors while customers were inside, blocked fire exits, underage customers and concerns about exceeding capacity.

In October 2025, a fight which started inside the venue and eventually moved outside resulted in a girl breaking her leg.

West Midlands Police said the incident was witnessed by door staff who did not call police, left the girl who was on the floor, and returned inside.

In August this year, the club’s doors were locked from the outside using a bike lock, preventing access and egress.

West Midlands Police said the practice was evidenced on the previous two Sunday nights when the club was busy with around 200 customers inside.

Currently, Mr Mohammed Shadid is the Premises Licence Holder (PHL) and Mr Clifton Lawrence is the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).

Rob Edge, representing both Mr Shadid and Mr Lawrence, said that the PHL accepts that the matters identified are serious and that the management must operate to a higher standard.

Mr Edge warned that councillors should be ‘cautious’ about reviewing every historic failing because Mr Lawrence only became DPS earlier this year,

Mr Lawrence added that any revocation would be ‘excessively harsh’ and asked that a suspension, although ‘crippling for a business’, be taken into consideration due to a ‘new management system’ in place.

Councillors said they had ‘no trust’ in the management and felt it had ‘shown a flagrant disregard’ to the licensing objectives.

Speaking on behalf of the members, solicitor Tara Tumber said: “The issues persisted over an extended period despite repeated warnings, meetings, action plans, enforcement action and opportunities to improve.

“Consequently, the evidence strongly supports the conclusion that the management of the premises has been fundamentally undermined.

“The subcommittee has no confidence or trust in the management. In particular, the premises licence holder has shown a flagrant disregard to the licensing objectives. They have continued regardless for the sake of monetary gain. The application has been granted to revoke the premises licence.”

By Rachel Alexander | Local Democracy Reporting Service