Police fear Neighbourhood is at 'great risk' of reprisal following bottling of gang member
Spinningfields bar and restaurant Neighbourhood has been ordered to install weapon detectors following a violent incident last month.
In the early hours of Monday 19 March, a man who is thought to have connections to a known Longsight gang was hit over the head by a bouncer with a glass bottle.
The man was admitted to hospital with a serious eye injury and is currently awaiting surgery.
Following the incident, the authorities suspended the venue’s licence with immediate effect, pending a review on April 12.
The venue was given permission to reopen during the hearing on Thursday, but under a strict set of licensing conditions imposed by the police and Town Hall.
The conditions include: the installation of a ‘knife arch’ weapon detector (from 10pm Thurs-Sun); no use of glassware (from 9pm Thurs-Sun); scanning all customer IDs on entry (from 10pm Thurs-Sun); no dancing on furniture.
A police report has expressed concerns that Neighbourhood might now be at 'great risk of reprisal', given the injured man’s links to gang members.
A committee also expressed concerns that the man was able to enter the bar with a knife, despite a previous order requiring the venue to use metal detection wands.
However, speaking to Confidential, a spokesperson for the venue disputed this claim, saying the man, who had been removed from the venue, only brandished a knife on his return to the bar later that night.
This is a complete anomaly and SMC will ensure the venue is brought in line...
James Hitchen, CEO of Neighbourhood, said: “We are pleased to announce that the venue will reopen its doors as expected on Thursday 12 April.
“Our biggest priority is to make sure Neighbourhood continues to be the best restaurant and party venue in town, so we have introduced a number of additional security measures so that everyone can continue to enjoy their time with us.
“One of these measures means that all customers who enter the venue after 10pm between Thursday and Sunday will be required to show their photo ID.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone back and are thankful that the actions of a handful of individuals have not ruined something that is enjoyed by thousands of people in the city every single week.”
A statement released by the Spinningfields Management Company (SMC) said: "SMC have worked closely with Neighbourhood as well as various city authorities including GMP Licensing over recent months to ensure the venue operates within our strict protocols."
"This is a complete anomaly and SMC will ensure the venue is brought in line with the estate’s exacting standards."
