Nightclub’s Operating Licence Suspended Following Fatal Incident

A nightclub located in Walsall has been mandated to cease operations for a period of 28 days, subsequent to a man’s death occurring outside its premises. DeCode, also known as Discotheque.life, situated on Lichfield Street, has been prohibited from conducting licensable activities for the forthcoming four weeks, with immediate effect. West Midlands Police requested an urgent meeting to review the nightclub’s licence following the death of 51-year-old Kevin Taylor on 7 December. The BBC has attempted to contact the nightclub for a comment. An individual has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the death. West Midlands Police stated that “the need to ensure the licensing objectives are promoted expeditiously” necessitated a swift decision from the council’s licensing sub-committee. Documents presented to the sub-committee indicated: “From the limited footage that licensing officers have viewed so far, they have raised immediate concerns.” The documents further noted: “At this stage there is limited information that can be disclosed in these licensing proceedings given the sensitivity of the investigation.” Gary Grant, a legal advisor for Walsall Council, added: “The decision of the licensing sub-committee is to suspend the premises licence, pending a full review hearing which must take place within 28 days.” This suspension is effective immediately. The premises are no longer legally permitted to open for licensable activities from this point forward. He stated that Isaac Cobbinah-Koompong, who has been the licence holder for the club since April, possesses the right to challenge the council’s interim suspension. Should he choose to do so, the matter would be for the licensing sub-committee to consider, Mr Grant explained. West Midlands Police confirmed that its investigation is continuing and urged witnesses to come forward.