GBar nightclub on Tithebarn Street in Liverpool city centre has been allowed to reopen after three men were stabbed outside the venue last month. Its licence was suspended immediately following the incident, but it is now permitted to reopen, and the nightclub posted an AI-generated photo to Instagram with the message: "Ready to dance?".
Licence reinstated despite police concerns
Liverpool Council’s licensing and gambling sub-committee has agreed to allow the venue to reopen until 8am. This is despite Merseyside Police requesting an earlier 6am closing time.
Three men have been charged in connection with the stabbing, including Patrick Morgan, 31, and Jonny Gee, 18, who both face two counts of wounding with intent, violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. Stephen Gee, 22, faces one count of wounding with intent, violent disorder and possession of Class B controlled drugs.
Management changes and police criticism
Sarah Taylor, representing the nightclub’s owners, told councillors that the management team and door staff working on the night of September 20 had all been dismissed. A new designated premises supervisor, Keith Blohm, has also been appointed.
PC Nicola Ireland told the hearing that Gbar had previously been linked to several incidents that were not reported to police, including a fight involving 10 people in December and allegations of violence and sexual assault in March. She criticised the venue’s failure to report these incidents and highlighted inadequate CCTV coverage.
Merseyside Police raised concerns about what PC Ireland described as a culture of failing to report incidents and said it lacked confidence in Nation Security, the company providing door staff. However, Gbar’s representatives defended the firm, saying it had extensive experience working at venues across the city and that additional staff training would be introduced.
Community support and reopening conditions
Gbar representatives said they wanted to acknowledge past mistakes and improve relations with police, while the new supervisor pledged to establish a positive working relationship with officers. Sahir House chief executive Simon Harris also supported reopening, describing the nightclub as an important space for Liverpool’s LGBT community and night-time economy.
The licensing sub-committee ultimately agreed to reinstate Gbar’s licence, allowing the venue to reopen until 8am. Committee chair Cllr Christine Banks urged the new supervisor to remain vigilant, protect customers and ensure the safety of everyone visiting the city at night.
