Future of ‘The Gallery’ secured

The Gallery nightclub has been granted a last minute reprieve following a decision made at a City of York alcohol licensing review yesterday.

Following negotiations between the nightclub’s new owners and Police Licensing Officer Mick Wilkinson the City of York Council’s licensing review was dropped. The review could have resulted in the complete closure of the venue.

The troubled nightclub’s license was called into question in November when police statistics revealed that the crime rate outside the nightclub soared by 1,050% during their ‘May Madness’ drinks promotions. Over 190 incidents of drunk and disorderly behaviour, theft and assault occurred in the first 10 months of 2011, and ranged from drink spiking to wielding a meat cleaver in public.

The Police Licensing Committee and Luminar have agreed that in order to prevent an alcohol licensing review, The Gallery will have a reduced maximum capacity of 600 customers and will close earlier during drinks promotion periods, will commit to a revamp the CCTV inside and in front of the venue and an overhaul of door security.

Second-year student Derek Williams told Vision, “I’m relieved that Gallery isn’t closing down. Even though it’s had various financial troubles and isn’t endorsed by YUSU any more, it’s still a decent night out.”

Law student Katie Coates added, “I’ve never been to The Gallery, I only really know it from seeing it on Big Fat Gypsy Weddings anyway!”

Speaking to Vision a spokesperson for Luminar said that, “As part of our commitment to York, ‘The Luminar Group will soon be making a significant investment into ‘The Gallery’, giving the club a new look and ensuring ‘The Gallery’ continues to provide the clubbers of York the best night out for years to come.”