Bucking the trend in recent club closures, it looks like iconic Glasgow spot The Arches won’t be closing down after all.
Police had sought to have the venue shut permanently, following a night at the venue on Saturday featuring Clyde FM DJ George Bowie that saw no fewer than 26 drug and alcohol related incidents. Police claim they had little choice but to shut the venue down at 2:45, after a young woman was found unconscious.
But licensing chiefs have ruled the application does not meet the requirements for an emergency closure, deeming the response inappropriate.
Recent months have seen the The Arches bring in strict measures to deal with drug use, including a rise in the minimum age for entry to 21. This followed the tragic death of 17-year-old Regane MacColl. Police linked her death with the consumption of a ‘Mortal Kombat’ tablet, purported to be ecstasy.
The venue, located in a set of disused railway arches beneath the city’s mainline, have been keen to stress their involvement in a wide variety of arts, including theatre, live performance and cinema. They are yet to comment on the decision. You can follow their blog here.
