September 13, 2010 9.51 am This story is over 161 months old

After murder, bar has changed licence

Revised licence: The Mezz Bar, where Stuart Whitelaw was stabbed in May, has now reopened as student-only Pav Lounge

A city bar has revamped its image and relaunched as a student-only venue, following a murder incident on its premises in May.

Formerly known as Mezz Bar, the venue in the Pavilions student accommodation complex next to Ropewalk is now called The Pav Lounge (pictured).

Stuart Whitelaw

The bar’s licence was under review following an incident on May 3, when Stuart Whitelaw (40) was fatally stabbed during a night out.

Police have charged Joe James Palmer (26) with murder, and he appeared in court in July, with further proceedings due in November.

After the murder of father-of-three Whitelaw in May, Mezz Bar’s licence was under reviews until last week, when the bar re-opened as student-only.

Security would check for student IDs from 8pm until closing time, and students can bring guests, who must sign a visitors’ book.

The bar’s manager Christopher Martin told The Linc that the new licence is very strict with drink prices, which are set across the board every night.

Martin also said it would be problematic for the venue, known for live music acts, to bring in bands that are popular not only with students, but also with locals.

Source: The Linc