Wolverhampton city centre nightclub Oxygene has had its licence suspended for three months following a review prompted by a stabbing in March and a disorder involving 400 youths in April. The City of Wolverhampton Council's licensing subcommittee also imposed new restrictions, including banning under-18 parties and requiring all events to be for those aged 21 and over.
Incidents Leading to Suspension
West Midlands Police called for the review after accusing owner Alex Osiagor of ignoring safety measures. On March 8, a stabbing occurred outside the venue at 4am. CCTV footage, which could not be produced by security staff at the time and was incorrectly timestamped when retrieved weeks later, showed the altercation was broken up by members of the public, with no intervention from security staff. Police described a 'moody' atmosphere and the scene as 'out of control'.
On April 4, police found over 400 young males gathered in Queen Street at 9.30pm, leading to a fight. Body cam footage showed the owner and security staff unable to confirm attendance numbers. The event was an invite-only party for under-18s, advertised on social media, which drew huge crowds after the venue reached capacity.
Council's Decision and Conditions
The subcommittee suspended the licence for three months, restricted all events to those aged 21 and over, and cut operating hours to 3am with last orders at 2am. Private parties are allowed but must have a defined guest list and be strictly over 18. A condition was added requiring ID checks for every person entering the venue.
Committee chair Cllr Alan Butt called the CCTV footage 'damning'. Cllr Leigh New said it was 'woeful' that security staff did not carry out basic ID checks. West Midlands Police said there had been 'continued breaches' of the licence and 'significant failures' by the club.
Owner's Response
Alex Osiagor told the hearing: 'I understand this is my last chance… It was not deliberate. The security company let me down and I take full responsibility but I just ask for a chance to carry on doing what we are doing for the community.' He stated the security staff had been sacked.
Rob Edge, representing Mr Osiagor, said the incidents were 'regrettable' but there was no evidence they were caused by the venue, though he admitted they were not dealt with 'in the best manner'.
Additional Breaches
The force said the club ignored security measures including not carrying out searches, ID checks, or using hand-held metal detectors, not blocking entry after 3am, and asking under-18s to leave at 9pm. An eighteenth birthday party with 150 guests, which exceeded the venue's maximum capacity by 40 according to West Midlands Fire Service, took place a week after the April disorder.
