The controversial Arches nightclub in Glasgow has lost its late night licence and will no longer operate as a nightclub. The decision was announced today at a Glasgow licensing board meeting. This followed recent complaints from Police Scotland which said that there would be “potentially lethal and profound consequences” if action was not taken against drug misuse and disorder at the venue.
The Arches will still run as a bar and arts venue however their license will now end at 12pm instead of 3am. This comes after a long string of alcohol and drugs offences related to the venue. Most recently, in March of this year 26 people were arrested for drug and alcohol related offences. The club had to close over an hour early on the night which was hosted by Radio Clyde DJ George Bowie.
The Arches plays host to a number of club nights, theatre productions and arts exhibitions. The club is famous for hosting DJ’s from all over the world. In February 2014, under age teenager Regane MacColl died after falling ill at the venue. Police linked her death to an ecstacy tablet called ‘Mortal Kombat’. Following this, The Arches made the venue an over 21’s club but this fell through a couple of months later when thousands signed a petition to bring the age back down to over 18’s.
Mark Anderson, Executive Director at The Arches commented, “We’re obviously very disappointed with today’s outcome. We will now have to consider our options but the impact of this decision may well result in the closure of one of Europe’s most highly regarded arts venues, and the loss of a key contributor to Glasgow’s night time economy. Not only is it a bad day for the Arches, but the portents do not look good for the wider licensed trade.”
