Action has been taken against a troubled Leeds nightclub after a mass brawl on the morning of one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
According to police, Phono on Lower Briggate in Leeds had a history of “excessive crime and disorder”.
Problems culminated with a punch-up involving as many as 20 youths outside the club at about 7.30am on Saturday, December 22 – as people descended on the city centre for last-minute Christmas shopping.
Police said they had to use baton strikes and self-defence in the 20-minute confrontation, during which some of those involved narrowly escaped being hit by passing cars.
The incident led to six people being arrested.
The club has now had its licence suspended by Leeds City Council’s licensing sub-committee.
Supt Pat Twiggs, from the City and Holbeck division, said: “Despite numerous attempts to work with the management of the venue to address issues of crime and disorder in and around the premises we felt we were left with little choice.”
Police said issues with the club stretched back more than 18 months.
There were numerous complaints about the venue, including two cases in which door staff were accused of sexually assaulting women customers.
Bosses narrowly avoided having their licence revoked in August after they pledged to clean up their act.
In a report to the licensing sub-committee, Sgt Geoffrey Fullilove said: “Immediate steps are required to prevent Phono causing further adverse effects on members of the public using Leeds city centre and to prevent further serious violent crime.”