A POPULAR Weymouth nightclub which had its licence revoked amid allegations of criminality has won an appeal allowing it to reopen.

Dorset Council was summoned to court by Actors Bar & Club following a decision made by the council's Licensing Sub-Committee following a rare summary review earlier this year.

The premises licence for the club on Maiden Street was temporarily revoked with immediate effect at a licensing hearing on Friday, December 17, 2021. The order stated that the venue must close for 28 days pending a full hearing in January 2022.

Dorset Police launched an investigation into the venue following reports from members of the public.

The force was supported by the specialist Drug and Alcohol Harm Reduction Team, working alongside neighbourhood policing team, response officers and CID, as well as partners from the local authority.

It was alleged that the operators of the venue consistently failed to uphold the licensing objectives and that crime was reported to have taken place at the premises, which risked the safety of members of the public.

Linked to this investigation, officers from the Neighbourhood Exploitation Team and CID executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at a local address on Friday, December 17, 2021.

A 37-year-old man from Weymouth was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs – class A and a quantity of suspected cannabis was seized.

Police have confirmed that the arrested man remains released under investigation while enquiries continue.

The owner of Actors Bar & Club appealed against the decision made by Dorset Council to revoke their licence on the ground that the decision to revoke the licence and uphold the interim steps imposed was wrong, was not proportionate and appropriate and did not take several factors into account.

The hearing took place on Monday, June 6, at Weymouth Magistrates Court and the appeal was allowed and Dorset Council and Magistrates were satisfied that appropriate operating conditions could be put in place for the venue to have its licence.

Owner of Actors Bar & Club, Parviz Marseh, said that he was 'delighted' about the successful appeal and said he proved that he could run the club and would be reopening the venue soon under a different name.

The nightclub on Maiden Street is to reopen under the new name, Club Chic, and Mr Marseh said it will have a new look and will aim to attract an older, more mature crowd playing classic hits and will include music from the 70s and 80s.

Mr Marseh that there will be a new security company, as well as new management and bar staff running the club as well as new opening times to comply with the new operating conditions on the premises licence.

He said: "We managed to persuade council and police that we are going to turn things around. I'm delighted with the result because we could have easily lost it completely."

Cllr Emma Parker, Chair of Dorset Council’s Licensing Committee, said: “The licence for Actors Bar & Club was revoked by Dorset Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee back in January. This decision followed a Dorset Police investigation into activities at the venue regarding allegations of criminality, including the supply of drugs on the premises as well as excessive alcohol consumption and associated disorder.

"Following appeal proceedings in court yesterday (6 June), both the Magistrates and Dorset Council were satisfied that appropriate measures have been put in place to ensure Actors can now operate legally and within the conditions of its licence.

"These measures include a reduction in operating hours as well as significant amendments to the conditions on the licence, including enhanced door security, a training programme for all staff, further restrictions on entry to the premises, better access to CCTV footage, and other practices introduced to help keep visitors safe. The appellant also agreed to pay the Council £7,500 in court costs.

"Dorset Council will continue to closely monitor Actors and its activities, and will not hesitate to take renewed action if we suspect there have been further breaches of the licence.”