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Issue:- 20 February 2015

Liverpool's Garlands Nightclub is closed down
Photo and video taken by a Merseyside Police Video Officers.

ON Thursday, 12 February 2014, Merseyside Police closed Garlands nightclub on Eberle Street, Liverpool, following an extensive operation over which looked at incidents of violence, and contributory factors, such as drug supply, in the night time economy. After closing the premises, Police Officers then carried out an extensive search of the 3 storey premises and found large quantities of what they believed to be controlled drugs.

Chief Supt Jon Ward, said:- "Liverpool has a reputation as a safe and vibrant City and this was recently recognised by the re-awarding of Purple Flag status for the City Centre. Every weekend at least 100,000 people visit the City to enjoy the City's night life. The majority of clubs and pubs in the City Centre work closely with Merseyside Police and manage their venues in a responsible way, contributing greatly to maintaining the City's reputation as a great place to visit.

Over the last few months officers have found that Class A drugs and other substances, were being openly dealt within the premises. It is clear that this establishment didn't adhere to the same high standards as other licensed premises in the City. Academic research shows that drug taking is linked to violence, particularly if there are other trigger factors such as; under age drinking, over crowding, poor management of the environment within the venue, alongside irresponsible promotions and the selling of alcohol to drunks.

In Liverpool North we have a drugs test on arrest policy for crimes of violence and disorder in the City Centre, and analysis of our data shows that an average of 40% of those arrested for disorder, or violence, tested positive for cocaine.

Merseyside Police is committed to reducing violent crime and making the streets safe and will not tolerate the open dealing and use of drugs at night time venues in our City. We will visibly and robustly confront those who commit these types of offences.

This is not a victimless crime. Drug dealers are exploiting young, vulnerable people and selling them illegal drugs. In some instances those who have brought drugs such as GBL (which is actually an alloy wheel cleaner) have required hospital treatment and we are fortunate that there have been no fatalities.

With 4 universities based in the City, many young people who are away from home for the 1st time find themselves enjoying the night life the City has to offer. We will be working with Universities in the City in the coming days to warn students about the dangers that drugs and chemicals can have, particularly if mixed with alcohol, or other substances."

During the raid, 2 men, aged 19 and 20, from West Derby and Birkenhead respectively arrested inside the club on suspicion possession and supply of controlled drugs.

Then on Wednesday, 18 February 2015, after hearing the submissions from both the Police and representatives of the club, District Judge Richard Clancy, at Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates Court, ordered that the club be closed for a period of 3 months.

Chief Supt Jon Ward, told the media that:- "Sadly, we have been given no option, but to take this action. Over the last few months officers have found that Class A drugs and other substances, were being dealt within the club. Whilst recognising that Garlands is well known within the City no premises is above the law. My number 1 priority is to make sure people coming into the City remain safe and are not exposed to the dangers that drug dealing presents. Merseyside Police is committed to making the streets safe and will not tolerate the open dealing and use of drugs at night time venues in our City. We will visibly and robustly confront those who commit these types of offences. This is not a victimless crime. Drug dealers are exploiting young, vulnerable people and selling them illegal drugs. We want people to enjoy their experience of Liverpool and don't want them to fall prey to unscrupulous drug dealers, who are only interested in lining their pockets."

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