Seven Licensing Conditions Imposed on Luna Springs After Double Stabbing
Birmingham's Luna Springs nightclub must adhere to seven strict licensing conditions following a double stabbing at a Cru2 drum and bass event on May 9, 2025. The conditions were formalized by a Birmingham City Council licensing sub-committee on June 9, after an expedited licence review. Two men were stabbed around 7pm and treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. A man in his 40s was arrested and bailed pending further inquiries.
Interim Measures and Police Agreement
The venue initially had its licence suspended but reopened under interim measures. The sub-committee heard from West Midlands Police, who confirmed that after monitoring the premises, they had no further concerns. An agreement was reached on suitable conditions, which were adopted as interim steps.
Condition 1: Enhanced Search and Entry Policy
Luna Springs must install ID scanners for specified events, with a clear search procedure including pat-downs, bag searches, and metal detector wands. A metal detector arch must be installed at entry. Anyone leaving during a specified event must be re-searched upon re-entry. The search and entry policy is deemed a condition of the premises licence.
Condition 2: Body-Worn Cameras for Door Staff
All licensed SIA door staff must wear fully functioning body-worn video cameras capable of recording audio and video in any light condition, meeting West Midlands Police minimum requirements. Recordings must be stored for at least 31 days with date and time stamps, and made available for immediate viewing and transfer to police or authorized officers.
Condition 3: Incident Log Requirements
An incident log must be kept and made available to Birmingham City Council or West Midlands Police on request. It must be completed within 24 hours and record all crimes reported, ejections, complaints concerning crime and disorder, incidents of disorder, seizures of drugs or weapons, faults in CCTV or security equipment, refusals of alcohol sales, and visits by authorities or emergency services.
Condition 4: Vulnerability Policy Training
The premises licence holder must implement a vulnerability policy agreed with West Midlands Police. All staff must be trained on the policy before the venue reopens.
Condition 5: Crime Scene Management Training
All staff must undergo crime scene management training before starting work and receive refresher training every 12 months. Training records must be kept on site for police inspection.
Condition 6: Security Oversight
The designated premises supervisor (DPS) or a designated management team member must oversee security provision at the premises.
Condition 7: Risk Assessment of Future Events
The licence holder must provide West Midlands Police with a monthly trading calendar to risk assess future events. An updated calendar for the following month must be submitted by the 15th of the preceding month, or as otherwise agreed in writing.
Venue's Response and Investment
The sub-committee heard from the licence holder's solicitor, who assured that significant investment had been made in response to the incident. The company acknowledged that further steps were necessary to uphold licensing objectives. The licence is held by Venture Battersea Limited, with John Lear as the designated premises supervisor.
