AN UPMARKET nightclub has been stripped of its licence after councillors received a catalogue of complaints about assaults, drunkenness and drug use.

Police said The Studio and Priva has been blighted by violence and that ‘poor management’ and ‘lack of co-operation from the operators’ prompted their application to have it closed down.

It will carry on trading pending an appeal against the decision.

The Poole Hill club promotes itself as an upmarket venue, offering prestige membership deals and drinks costing up to £1,200 per bottle. The menu includes cocktails up to £750, six-litre bottles of vodka for £1,200 and bottles of champagne for £900.

In evidence to Bournemouth Council’s licensing board, police said the last 12 months had seen ‘a marked increase in violent incidents at the premises, unacceptably high levels of drug use within the venue and lack of co-operation from the operators during the course of police investigations.’

They said premises licence holder Squared Holdings Ltd of Swanage and designated premises supervisor Joshua Simons had refused to co-operate and added: “Staff and management have been deliberately obstructive when asked to aid in the investigation, in particular when asked to provide CCTV footage.

“The operators have shown a blatant disregard for the concerns raised by Dorset Police in recent months.”

Officers said assaults had included those where glassware has been used, but said the incidents had been dismissed by management ‘in what appears to be an attempt to avoid any attention from Dorset Police’.

There have also been complaints about unacceptable noise levels.

Cllr Andrew Morgan, chairman of the licensing board, said club managers were ‘in denial about the problems’ and ‘see the situation as everyone else’s fault.’

The board said it had no confidence in the current regime, that the premises drugs policy was inadequate and that those in charge of security were not familiar with the licence. It described record keeping at the club as ‘lamentable.’

Supervisor Mr Simons has the right of appeal to the Magistrates Court within 21 days and the club is allowed to remain open during that time.

Philip Day of Horsey Lightly Fynn solicitors, representing Mr Simons, told the Daily Echo: “My clients are very disappointed with the licensing board’s decision and have instructed me to appeal.

“This process will take a number of months and Priva will remain open until the appeal is heard. I cannot make any further comment until the court proceedings are concluded.”

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