Venue responds after double stabbing

Broad Street venue issues a statement after double stabbing

Tom Cramp - Local Democracy Reporter | Monday 12th June 2023 11:16am

A Broad Street venue has issued a statement following a double stabbing on its premises in the early hours of Monday, June 5. Velvet Music Rooms had its licence reviewed on Wednesday, June 7, with a series of measures imposed on its future operations.

A spokesperson for Velvet Music Rooms said: “First of all, everyone at Velvet sends our best wishes to the one individual who was injured, and we hope he quickly recovers.

“We would like to make it clear that the venue had been hired out to an external entertainment business for what was their own event, with their own customers, DJs, promoters and box office staff organising entry.

“Our own bar and security staff reacted to signs of trouble immediately, and Velvet’s designated premises supervisor quickly cut the music, put the lights up and ordered the DJ to announce that people should leave.

“We ejected everyone within minutes, contacted police and gave immediate first aid until emergency services arrived. Velvet is familiar with its own customers and rarely experiences violence of any kind.

“Indeed, we have a long running and excellent relationship with the local authorities, and have won Broad Street’s safest venue and door team award on many occasions since we opened in 2005.

“We have an excellent reputation with the police and our customers for running a safe, welcoming venue and we are determined for that to continue.”

Some of the conditions agreed upon by the police and Birmingham City Council this week include metal detector searches for all customers, artists, and DJs from Thursday to Sunday, as well as an ID scan for all customers.

Others require the venue to ensure a minimum of 50 per cent of door staff be equipped with body cameras. A bleed kit and a staff member trained in first aid will also need to be on-site at all times.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101, and quote 20/466331/23.”

The venue is due for another review of the licence within 28 days. 

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