Nightclub licence suspended after man killed

A nightclub in Walsall has been told it must remain closed for 28 days after a man was killed outside the premises.

DeCode - also known as Discotheque.life - on Lichfield Street has been banned from opening for licensable activities for the next four weeks, with immediate effect.

West Midlands Police called for an urgent meeting to review the nightclub's licence following the death of 51-year-old Kevin Taylor on 7 December.

The BBC has attempted to contact the nightclub for a comment.

A man has been charged with manslaughter over the death.

West Midlands Police said the "severity of the crime, serious management failings at the premises concerned and the need to ensure the licensing objectives are promoted expeditiously," necessitated an urgent decision from the council's licensing sub-committee.

Documents issued to the sub-committee stated: "From the limited footage that licensing officers have viewed so far, they have raised immediate concerns regarding the conduct of the staff at the venue.

"At this stage there is limited information that can be disclosed in these licensing proceedings given the sensitivity of the investigation."

Walsall Council legal advisor Gary Grant added: "The decision of the licensing sub-committee is to suspend the premises licence, pending a full review hearing which must take place within 28 days.

"That suspension has immediate effect. The premises would not be lawfully permitted to open for licensable activities from now."

He said Isaac Cobbinah-Koompong, who has been the licence holder for the club since April, had the right to challenge the council's interim suspension.

If he chose to do so, it would be for the licensing sub-committee to consider, Mr Grant said.

West Midlands Police said its investigation was continuing and called on witnesses to come forward.

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