Hampton Court Night Club

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 4th Sep 2002

The future of the controversial night club, the Venue, will be resolved this week, on Thursday, when residents and MP Vincent Cable petition the council's licensing committee to withdraw the entertainment license.

Vincent Cable said: "The Venue has become a horror story. Despite promises from the new owners, local residents have had to put up with late night disturbances which go way beyond revelry."

"There has been violence and vandalism perpetrated by people who are seriously and aggressively drunk. The owners have been given a chance to establish some standards among their clientele but there have been continued reports of unacceptable behaviour. Some of this is captured on video and provides clear evidence of violence and threatening behaviour. Dozens of residents have put up with this nonsense for long enough."

"I hope also that a tough line by the licensing committee will be a warning shot to other establishments in the borough which have become a magnet for troublemakers".