Barnsley nightclub shut down due to fire safety

A club in Barnsley has been forced to close because of safety concerns by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.

The Citrus Rooms club in Eastgate was hoping to have its license renewed at a review hearing, but Barnsley Council was told of the fire service’s fears regarding safety.

A spokesman for Barnsley Council said:

“Members were provided with evidence relating to defective emergency lighting, defective electrical installations, locked emergency exits and poor management.

“At the hearing it was agreed the premises would close voluntarily until September 27 to allow the owners to make the necessary improvements, undertake management and staff training and provide appropriate health and safety documentation.

“However, the premises’ licence holder, Citrus Trading Limited, has now surrendered the licence to Barnsley Council with immediate effect.”

Councillor Charlie Wraith, chairman of the licensing board, also commented on the review:

“We gave the company the benefit of the doubt and allowed them two weeks, at their own request, to complete the necessary improvements to the premises and prove they had the appropriate training and procedures in place to ensure the safety of the public. However, the licence holder has decided against this option and has opted to close the premises.”