Popular Belfast nightclub Rain had its entertainment licence suspended recently for a series of alleged health and safety breaches over the last number of months.
The drastic decision to suspend the licence was taken by Belfast City Council in the wake of a number of inspections by building control staff. On repeated occasions rain was found to have exceeded its maximum capacity allowed by health and safety, with reports stating that on one of these occasions they were more than 300 people over the limit.
Following a meeting of BCC’s Licensing Committee on 16th February the incidents of overcrowding on the 7th November, 30th January and 6th February were regarded as being sufficient grounds to take such action.
In a statement to the media, Councillor Christopher Stalford, chairman of Licensing Committee, said: "We take our responsibilities as a licensing and enforcing authority very seriously, particularly as these functions are exercised to ensure public safety in places of entertainment.
"Belfast has a burgeoning night time economy and this is something the council encourages and is extremely supportive of; however, where there is the potential for the public's safety to be at risk and where there have been alleged breaches of any licence, the council will take robust action when necessary."
SU Management Team Director Andrew Dodge said in relation to the situation that: “Customer safety is paramount in the operation of any licensed venue. It is good news that the BCC took positive action to ensure adherence to licensing laws and that they have clearly demonstrated to all license holders that breaches will not be tolerated”.
He added that: “Developments will be circulated by the VP Welfare, Adam McGibbon, to ensure that our members are up to date on issues”.
This is not the first time Rain has hit the headlines as last year it was accused of discriminating against disabled people. Ciaran McGrogan was allegedly forbidden from entering the club due to his being in a wheelchair. A facebook campaign calling for a boycott of Rain later gained over 12,000 followers.
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