A CITY nightclub is facing closure, after police called for a review of its licence agreement due to concerns about “continued” crime and disorder.

Alexander Fell, owner of Alexander’s, in New Street, said he was “dismayed” to hear West Mercia Police had made a formal application to the city council for a review.

A Worcester City Council notice, placed outside the popular nightspot, says the constabulary has made the application “as a result of continued disorder at the venue”.

The police believe the licence holder is “failing to adequately promote” licensing objectives in relation to prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and protection of children from harm, under the Licensing Act 2003.

Sergeant Paul Smith said: “We have made a formal application to regulatory services to have Alexander’s premises licence reviewed as there have been various incidents of disorder at the venue including fighting outside the premises.

"It is the responsibility of the licence holder to uphold lawful behaviour and observe the licensing regulations within their licensed premises."

Mr Fell said following the police’s support for his application earlier this year to extend trading hours, he is “really concerned” about the constabulary’s latest move.

Describing the venue as an “independent local family owned business”, he accused the police’s submission of containing “inaccuracies”.

“We have successfully worked with West Mercia Police in a spirit of open partnership for four years in establishing a premium late-night venue for the city of Worcester,” he told the Worcester News.

The businessman, who also owns the neighbouring Brick Room, believes the application “contains, in our opinion, inaccuracies, which creates a very unfair impression of our business and its management”.

He said he would “continue to co-operate” with police to “resolve matters” and reassured customers that the bar will continue as normal.

“We would like to reassure all our customers that it is very much business as usual and to thank them all for their continued support,” he said.

Over the summer, police released a CCTV image of three men, believed to have been in the club on June 24, before two men were kicked and punched to the floor.

Later in the summer, several of the club’s front windows were smashed.

While at the start of the year, there were reports of a fight outside the club in the early hours of January 27 – believed to have involved a group of guests who had been asked to leave the venue.

At the time, Mr Fell said: “We had a pre-arranged party which were high-spirited and asked to leave the venue, they did this with no incident occurring.

“Outside, we worked alongside a small number of police to make sure everyone dispersed safely and to our knowledge there were no injuries and no arrests made.”

A spokesman for the city council said Worcestershire Regulatory Services has started the process for reviewing Alexander’s licence in line with the Licensing Act.

A 28-day consultation period is running until November 9, during which anyone with an interest can make representations to wrsenquiries@worcsregservices.gov.uk.

At the end of the consultation period, all representations will be assessed, and a report will then be submitted to the city council’s licensing sub-committee.

The sub-committee will then review the licence within a further 20 working days.

More: Men were kicked and punched to the floor outside Alexander's nightclub

More: Police called to fight outside Alexander's