Middlesbrough venue and nightclub Empire has been granted a final chance to reopen after its licence was revoked in March. The three-storey space was condemned by the local council’s licensing committee for poor management, security and a pattern of anti-social behaviour. An alleged incident of assault outside the Corporation Road venue saw the council suspend the licence.
After “seriously considering” revoking the venue’s licence completely, the council learned that Empire had engaged new security and management teams. The venue had its licence suspended in 2022 following a stabbing at the premises. Underage revellers were also reportedly allowed entry, prompting the committee to require management to know the age of everyone present.
Empire has now been given a “final chance” to reopen under a set of new conditions, including body-worn cameras for door staff and scanning equipment for everyone who enters the site. At least one door supervisor must be employed per hundred people attending the club and risk assessments may be required to determine the necessity of additional staff. Ashley Wem, the venue’s boss for 30 years, resigned earlier this month but denied that his decision was related to the club’s ongoing issues with its licence.
Since it first opened in 1987, Empire has welcomed DJs including Roger Sanchez, Sasha, Eats Everything, Justice, Erol Alkan and Basement Jaxx. As of this writing, the venue has not announced a reopening date.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Assistant Editor
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