Burnley nightclub owners to appeal against loss of licence

Burnley Council's Licensing Act 2003 Sub Committee made the decision after a request from Lancashire Police to review the certificate for Proj3kt in Hammerton Street.

Their submission was under the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm licensing objectives.

It came after the committee accepted evidence of drug dealing and use, incidents of violence, and children as young as 13 being in the nightclub.

Owners Jason and Rebecca McQuoid, of Mode Property Ltd, have confirmed they will seek to overturn the decision at the magistrates court.

In a statement to the Lancashire Telegraph, they condemned the police over a lack of officers in Burnley town centre at night.

They said: "We are obviously extremely disappointed that the committee chose this decision, and we will be appealing it.

"Only seven per cent of the documented incidents over a two-year period were related to violent disorder from our customers - the remainder is from people out on the streets.

"I speak for all the licensed premises in Burnley when I say that our nighttime economy needs better policing numbers and a schedule to fit how the town operates now.

"We cannot police the streets. The door supervisors are restricted by their insurance; they are unable to leave the premises to deal with anything happening up the street.

"There is just no police presence after 1am and that leaves the whole town vulnerable.

"Late-night premises are being targeted up and down the country because they are being made to not only control their venue but the vicinity and streets around.

"We have spoken to the police commissioner on this matter and hope to campaign to change the archaic police schedules which mean our nighttime economy is left with no police presence to ensure a safe and enjoyable night out."

In 2023, the nearby Mode nightclub, run by the same operator, had its licence revoked and closed soon afterwards.

The subcommittee's chair Cllr Anne Kelly told the meeting after it voted to revoke the club's licence: "The committee feel that all four of the licensing objectives have not been upheld at Projekt nightclub.

"In relation to the prevention of crime and disorder, the committee are extremely concerned about the level of violent behaviour in and around Projekt nightclub.

"The committee accepted that there is evidence of the misuse and sale of illegal substances at Projekt nightclub.

"The committee also accept there is evidence of the sale of alcohol to those who are underage. This includes evidence of a 13-year-old child gaining access."

The police have been approached for comment.