Police conducted a raid to shut down “Britain’s harshest nightclub” because it was connected to a number of violent crimes, including shootings, stabbings, assaults, and drug selling.
Those who had the misfortune to run into Birmingham’s Red Door, a sanctuary for criminals, were treated with images that might have come straight out of a “mafia movie.”
It saw several brawls, drug trafficking, and one guy being stabbed 13 times during a fight on October 31 of last year. Another man was also knifed in the leg on June 18 when it was unlawfully operating along an alleyway.
Loud music pumping from the building and gunshots were frequent disturbances for locals and small children in Lozells’ inner-city neighbourhood.
The hellhole pub had no business registration, no planning approval, no music licence, and no authorization to serve alcohol. It also included a covered beer garden with a BBQ, TVs, and a pool table.
After obtaining a closure order from the court yesterday, video shows cops entering the building with bolt cutters.
The management only had authorization to operate the facility as a warehouse, therefore West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council developed a case against them and won the injunction at Birmingham Magistrates Court.
Despite the facility only being allowed to be used as a warehouse or for storage, a footage also depicts a fully equipped bar and a dance floor with huge speakers.
This will be a big relief for those whose lives have been ruined by the anti-social behaviour and criminality this facility attracts, said Inspector Nick Hill.
“Clubs are subject to stringent restrictions to guarantee that patrons are kept safe, such as security, CCTV, and staff training, and that noise for neighbours is kept to a minimum.”
The main structure included a covered outdoor sitting area, a restroom block, and a kitchen, but it had only been permitted for storage.
“None of it has a building permit.”
“We were first given a three-month closure, but we’ll be asking for a permanent closure and perhaps destruction.”
Local police teams and our Gangs Unit are collaborating to aggressively target anybody who may be connected to organised crime and violence.
“We conduct routine suppression patrols to stop gang activities and operations to target those harming our communities,” the statement reads.
One guy responded on social media with: “Knew they’d rock this place someday.” I know a young man who went and declared it to be moody as f***.
It was like something out of a mafia movie, dude, there were just plenty of thugs there. It was only a matter of time until it was closed.
Another person said, “Yep, right there is Britain’s toughest nightclub.” It would be difficult to find one that was tougher. I wouldn’t be caught in its vicinity by a mile, haha.
How have these locations been let to remain for such a long time, said a third person? Sounds very suspect.
According to police, a utility firm was also brought in to make the area safe since the venue’s questionable wiring may pose a danger to human life.
‘We support this police action because unlicensed premises are, by definition, unregulated, and we know there have been some significant concerns over this premises, so we hope it shows we can work in partnership to keep our communities safe,’ said Councillor John Cotton, cabinet member for social justice, community safety, and equalities at Birmingham City Council.
In order to combat difficulties with illegal and unlicensed activities, anti-social behaviour, and public safety, “We will continue to work with West Midlands Police to ensure Birmingham’s pubs and clubs, as well as the city’s streets, are safe for all its guests.”