Nightspot granted licence (From Stroud News and Journal)

Nightspot granted licence

A THIRD nightclub is on the way for Stroud after owners sailed over the last legal hurdle this week.

Bar Riga, at the foot of Nelson Street, is now expected to open in the summer after being granted a drinks licence by magistrates on Thursday. A delighted Jason Ayers, partner in the new venture, was thrilled with the licence which acts as a de facto green light for the planned nightspot.

The application had been opposed by the police, who had been forced to use major powers to close down the club in its notorious previous incarnation as JoJo's, a club that was eventually closed down using tough anti-disorder legislation.

Residents had also expressed concerns about late-night trouble in the streets surrounding the club after revellers leave.

But Mr Ayers said the new club had always been keen to distance itself from the venue's tarnished reputation and had convinced magistrates his team could manage it responsibly.

"We want to work with the police and residents to alleviate any fears they might have," he said.

"We are not JoJo's and those days are gone. "I think we're going to prove ourselves in the end and the proof of the pudding will be in the eating."

Mr Ayers reiterated his plans to run a sophisticated venue for a more mature-minded punter. "The age is not important but the attitude is," he said.

"We want to offer quality service and entertainment rather than following the stack it high sell it cheap philosophy."

Chief Inspector Mark Organ, Stroud ranking police officer, said: "Plenty of reassurances were given by the applicant that the club would be managed responsibly, hence licensing justices were happy to grant the licence," he said.

"We will now have to wait an assess any impact the club might have in terms of crime and disorder and then respond accordingly."