May 3, 2022 10.43 am This story is over 22 months old

Lincoln nights “safer” after club licence surrendered

Police recorded series of incidents at venue
The former Place2B is set to become The Basement | Photo: The Lincolnite

Lincolnshire Police have said the city’s night-time economy is “safer” after a nightclub owner surrendered their premises licence last week.

Place2B, on Butchery Court, was due to appear before City of Lincoln Council licensing on Friday, however the meeting was cancelled after Simon Ward gave his licence up. The meeting had been postponed a couple of times since it was originally scheduled in March.

A report before councillors listed a series of incidents at the premises, ranging from criminal damage to assault.

Police licensing team member Sgt Ian Cotton said: “Due to the weight of evidence collected by the Lincolnshire Police Licensing Team, this licence was surrendered.

“We will continue to pursue those who fail to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

“The conditions on an alcohol licence are not aspirational, they are the minimum standard at which a licence holder should operate.

“We believe the removal of this licence will make the night time economy in Lincoln a safer place to visit.”

In December a male victim, who police say was assaulted in the premises, is said to have had access “seemingly unchallenged” to a staff area behind the bar.

In November, Lincolnshire Police launched an investigation after a report that two females were at the premises on their own except for staff and “were allowed free access” to the drinks at the bar, free of charge.

In January, police say a female employee was found unconscious beside a skip near to the club. She alleged her drink may have been spiked, however, investigations did not find evidence to support the statement. CCTV appeared to show Mr Ward drinking with two female employees and another male after the bar had closed, until 7am.

A police search also revealed cocaine was found in the toilets of the nightclub.

Lincolnshire Police said there were a ‘series of failings’ including claims of not having enough door supervisors on, and a lack of compliance with filling in staff training, door supervisor logs and challenge 25 records. In one incident Mr Ward was found to be acting as both DJ and door supervisor.

Police said Mr Ward had been given ample time to rectify the issues found during their visits and had attempted to work with Mr Ward, adding they had no confidence in the licence holder.