[no subject]

ASTORIA REFUSED LICENCE

The future of one of London's premiere music venues is
in doubt after its entertainment licence was refused
on grounds of 'public safety'.

The London Astoria has played host to countless bands
over the last decade, including acts such as U2,
Nirvana, Oasis, Blur and David Bowie.

This week, Westminster Council refused the venue its
licence, citing last year's shooting at a So Solid
Crew gig as a primary cause for concern.

Mean Fiddler, owners of the famous venue, have
appealed against the decision.

A spokesperson for Westminster Council explained:"The
Licensing sub committee refused the renewal of the
London Astoria's annual weekday and Sunday music and
dancing licence and a restricted films licence.

"The committee was not satisfied that the licensees
had done enough to ensure public safety at the venue,
particularly in light of the shooting on the 30th
October 2001."

"The failure of the licensees to implement appropriate
measures to prevent [the] large number of public
safety breaches alarmed the committee and was the
primary reason that the licensees were seen as unfit
to hold their license and therefore the renewal was
refused."

A spokesman for Mean Fiddler said: "The decision to
refuse was clearly a surprise and appears to be based
on the activities associated with the firearms
incident in the club in October 2001. However, both
the council's own Health and Safety Team and The
Metropolitan Police investigated the incident and the
changes we have made ensure a similar incident does
not reoccur.

"The appeal to the Magistrates, though lodged
immediately, is not expected to be heard until
February and we are extremely positive that this will
be overturned."

The Astoria remains open with forthcoming gigs
unaffected by the recent developments.



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