Nightclub ordered to shut immediately after girl, 17, 'raped after leaving'

A Bury town centre nightclub has had its licence revoked after police alleged that a 17-year-old girl was raped after leaving the premises. Club 66 on Silver Street was this week ordered to shut ‘with immediate effect’ by Bury Council after a licensing hearing requested by Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Bury district licensing officer, PC Peter Ecclestone, said the venue had breached its operating licence by letting people in the club after permitted hours, and said there had been other alleged sexual offences and acts of violence associated with the club.

At an earlier hearing in March this year when the club applied for a temporary hours extension, GMP told the council the extension ‘would undermine the prevention of crime and disorder’. They said said there was ‘potential for crime and disorder which poses a public safety risk’ and gave notice of their intention to seek full licence review for the premises.

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The police report, published by Bury Council, stated: “GMP are aware of at least one occasion where the premises has allowed entry to a vulnerable 17-year-old female who was raped after leaving the premises. GMP is aware of information relating to numerous breaches of their current premises licence, which includes not providing CCTV to police when requested and within the allotted time-scales.

“There have also been occasions when the premises has allowed the admission of patrons beyond their current operating schedule for which warning letters have been sent.”

The club’s website contains a description of the venue. It said: “Club 66 Bury is a one-of-a-kind restaurant and club in the North West. Our pleasant and sophisticated ambience