A Port Talbot club has been forced to close just days before the big kick off of the World Cup in South Africa.
The Eden Club in Station Road had its licence suspended for two months by Neath Port Talbot Council last year following a number of breaches.
The club’s owners appealed against the decision which meant it has been able to continue operating. The appeal has now been withdrawn, resulting in the suspension coming into force immediately and will last until August 7.
A licensing review was requested by Neath Port Talbot Police following breaches of its licence and a disproportionate number of incidents of crime and disorder linked to the premises.
PC John Williams, licensing officer for Neath Port Talbot Police, said: “Enforcement of legislation and licensing conditions is vitally important to ensure our town centres have a safe night-time economy.
“We are regularly checking on compliance and those licensed premises which are found to be in breach will be dealt with accordingly and prosecuted.
“Pubs and clubs have a duty to support the police and our partners in reducing violent crime and anti-social behaviour and help keep people safe during a night out in Neath Port Talbot.”
Visits to licensed premises are held which are designed to enforce legislation such as under-age sales, door staff registration, CCTV and various other conditions. These will continue throughout the duration of the football World Cup.
A number of licensing reviews have been held which have already resulted in premises having their licences suspended or even revoked.
Inspector Mark Lenihan of the Safer Neath Port Talbot Partnership added: “We have been consistent in our approach when dealing with licensed premises which repeatedly breach their conditions.
“We do this not only to ensure the safety of customers and people enjoying the night-time economy but to protect the staff of those premises as well.
“It is important that licensees support our zero tolerance approach on this issue and I am pleased to say that the vast majority do take their responsibilities extremely seriously and want to work with us.
“In the case of the Eden Club, it will now be closed for what is expected to be a busy and lucrative time of the year for pubs and clubs up and down the country.”
