A karaoke bar in Ashton-under-Lyne continued selling alcohol and playing music as police gave first aid to a man who later died, a licensing meeting was told. Shane Cullen, 31, suffered 'catastrophic injuries' in an alleged assault at Blues Cabaret and Karaoke Bar on Saturday, July 11, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police concerns detailed
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) applied for a review of the venue's premises licence following the incident. In a statement ahead of the meeting, PC Craig Foley said the force had 'significant failings in management, supervision, compliance and leadership before, during and after' the incident.
PC Foley noted that door supervisors were outside during the incident and had no effective view of events inside. A bouncer also 'observed' a separate alleged assault outside without intervening, which was considered a 'serious failure'.
Emergency response hampered
Despite the severity of the situation, alcohol sales continued, music played, and customers danced near where officers were performing CPR. No management took control, and police had to clear the premises themselves to allow paramedics to work.
PC Foley also raised concerns about CCTV footage that was of poor quality and had incorrect date and time settings, delaying the murder investigation. He concluded that the failings were 'fundamental failures of management, supervision and leadership' that contributed to an environment where serious violence occurred and emergency response was hampered.
Licence suspended
The venue's licence was temporarily suspended after the incident. On Thursday, August 6, councillors decided to further suspend it for three months, allowing for a 'full reset' of the business. New conditions include reduced alcohol serving hours until 1am, increased door staff to three after 10pm, removal of the designated premises supervisor, CCTV improvements, and mandatory customer searches.
Carl Cooper, 36, of Smallshaw Lane, has been charged with murder, two counts of common assault, and assault. A preliminary trial date has been set for January 11, 2027.
