Karma keep their license

Wiltshire Police recently asked the council to hold a review hearing into Karma nightclub in Chippenham. The police produced a catalogue of incidents of violence and drunken disorder which they claimed was caused by irresponsible drinks promotions and poor management at the venue.

The hearing was held today in the Chippenham council offices. A panel of three councillors heard details from the police of the recorded incidents allegedly associated with the club since September last year. They also heard from the management team responsible for running the club and maintaining security.

A request from the police to suspend Karma's operating license for three months was denied by the panel, though a number of other conditions requested by the police intended to tighten up the way the club was run were allowed.

Recent government legislation is intended to stop irresponsible drinks promotions, though it's not clear if the cheap alcohol sales at Karma would fall under the scope of the new laws.

Local Liberal Democrat councillor Chris Caswill also told the panel about the noise nuisance from the club affecting residents. This should be covered by the existing rules and conditions on the license, but the management were told to check noise levels on a regular basis and make sure they weren't excessive.