A Leeds nightclub could be stripped of its licence after police voiced concerns about a controversial student night.
As reported in the YEP, a promotional video by Tequila UK called ‘Freshers Violation’ caused outrage after one male clubgoer describe how a girl was going to “get raped” and asked how female clubbers would “survive violation”, as well as discussing other violent sexual acts.
Leeds-based clubnight Tequila UK, which is held at Mezz club on Assembly Street, quickly took the video down from Facebook and Youtube and apologised.
But now Leeds City Council’s licensing bosses are set to review the club’s licence following complaints from West Yorkshire Police.
A report published ahead of the review said there were concerns over the ‘highly inappropriate and sexually suggestive advertising campaigns’, where young men are ‘being encouraged to engage in violent sexual acts against females’.
In the report, West Yorkshire Police said the video encourages violent sex, degrades women and poses a ‘real threat to public safety’.
Police are also looking into ‘free pouring’ – where bartenders pour alcohol into customers’ mouths straight from the bottle, which contradicts licencing regulations.
Since the controversial video was posted online, students have set up a petition with thousands of signatures and a late night protest was staged outside the club last week.
Leeds University Union and Leeds Metropolitan University Union have both voiced their support for the campaign to stop the Tequila clubnight.
Leeds University’s Feminist Society have also said they are keen to work on a zero tolerance campaign towards sexual assault at Mezz and other city centre venues.
A statement issued by Mezz said: “We have taken this matter very seriously.
“Over the last six years that we have worked with TequilaUK, they have proved themselves to be very responsible promoters.
“Their clientele are always polite and well behaved and we have never had any reports of serious offences in relation to the night.
“We are co-operating fully with the licensing authority and we hope to resolve this matter swiftly.”
