THE city council has opted not to revoke a nightclub’s operating licence, though has ordered several modifications be made to its conditions following concerns raised by police.

Licensing sub-committee members deliberated throughout two day-long meetings over the future of Alexanders, before making a decision on Monday afternoon (December 10).

The meetings, which were closed to the press, were attended by club owner Alexander Fell.

In a joint statement on Facebook from Alexander, 30, and dad, Nick, the pair were said to be “very satisfied with the outcome of the review and that there will be no change to the licensing hours”.

“We will be taking some additional measures, in agreement with West Mercia Police, to further strengthen our commitment to upholding the licensing objectives and we look forward to working closely with the West Mercia Police licensing team,” it continued.

West Mercia Police submitted the application to the council in October, calling for a review of the New Street venue’s licence due to an “increase in violent disorders”.

The application also specified that police had “no confidence” in Alexander to effectively manage the venue and uphold its licensing objectives – and should be removed as the designated premises supervisor.

However, following Monday’s decision, it was announced police had withdrawn this request regarding Alexander.

Worcestershire Licensing Sergeant Paul Smith said they were now satisfied with Alexander because he has "implemented initiatives that addressed the concerns originally raised by the review".

He said: "The venue has employed a new company to manage his door staff. This, along with the new conditions regarding body worn video and challenge 25 policy mean that we have confidence we can work positively in the future with the premises.”

The sub-committee also did not make any amendments to the licensed hours, as had originally been hoped by the police – with the application stating midnight as a suitable time to stop trading rather than 3.15am.

Though the licensing committee has imposed modifications to the licence conditions.

A minimum of one door supervisor at the front of the premises must wear a bodycam at all times and recordings must be available to the police or authorised local authority officers.

All such footage must also be securely retained for a minimum of 28 days.

This comes after the review application stated police had noted an “increase in violent disorders” at the club – particularly in the early hours and that the disorders were “vicious” in nature resulting in arrests of door supervisors.

The council has also stipulated that where door staff are used at the venue, a record must be kept of their details in accordance with a staff profile detail form provided – and must be made available to the authorities.

All door supervisors must wear high visibility tabards at all times when working inside the premises, as well as tabards or hi-vis armbands when working on the front door.

The licence conditions permitting the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises must also be removed, while signage advising as such should be erected inside.

Finally, in line with the national Challenge 25 retail strategy, anyone thought to be aged 25 or younger can be asked for ID to prove their age – which should be clarified in the licence.

This came after the police had raised concerns about underage drinkers at the club.

Sgt Smith said: "The recent license review has allowed our licensing team to share areas of concern around incidents involving Alexander’s nightclub.

“We will continue to meet with the management team at Alexander’s nightclub, as well as other premises within the city to work with premises holders to keep Worcester a safe place to live, work and socialise.”

The Fells’ statement went on to say: “We would like to record our gratitude to Worcester City Council's licensing committee for the manner in which the whole review process has been conducted and for the courtesy extended to all parties present at the hearing.

“We have always sought to provide a high-quality environment and great customer experience with customer safety at the heart of everything we do.

“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all our customers for the level of support shown to us and in particular for their loyalty over what has been a difficult few weeks.”