The Arches nightclub ordered to close
Glasgow clubbing institution The Arches is set to close its doors after the city’s licensing board voted to limit the venue’s opening hours following complaints from police.
The venue – which plays host to a range of club nights, gigs, theatre productions and art exhibitions – had been at the centre of a row between police and licensing authorities following a number of drug-related incidents at Arches club nights in recent years. Police Scotland applied for the venue to be shut down in March, but that attempt was thrown out by councillors.
Today, Glasgow City Council’s licensing board voted to restrict the venue’s opening hours, forcing it to shut at midnight seven days a week and effectively outlawing its clubbing operation.
In a statement, Mark Anderson, executive director of The Arches, said: “We’re obviously very disappointed with today’s outcome. We will now have to consider our options but the impact of this decision may well result in the closure of one of Europe’s most highly regarded arts venues, and the loss of a key contributor to Glasgow’s night time economy.
"Not only is it a bad day for the Arches, but the portents do not look good for the wider licensed trade.”
According to reports in The Herald, The Arches’ solicitors told the committee that almost all the police complaints against the venue in recent months had been prompted by the vigilance of its own staff. A change.org petition has been launched urging police and Glasgow City Council to reconsider their decision – it can be viewed here.