The circumstances of a night club’s closure are ‘deeply worrying’, according to Luton South MP Gavin Shuker.
On Monday Luton Borough Council revoked the licence for Bling, on Church Street, after police concerns that it was set to be taken over by members of an organised crime group.
The council’s licencing committee heard that the club’s owner Deborah Jefferies had lost control of the premises due to financial mismanagement and has since “involved members of a recognised organised crime group” in its running.
Since Bling’s opening in May Ms Jefferies has been mired in financial problems, with staff and contractors issuing numerous complaints over unpaid wages and invoices running in the thousands.
A week before LBC revoked the club’s licence Ms Jefferies registered a new business name, Ikon Nightclub Shisha Lounge Bar and Restaurant Ltd, from the same Church Street address.
Luton South MP Gavin Shuker has since issued his concerns over the venue’s running.
He said: “I don’t believe it’s acceptable for the licensee to behave in this way, and keep her licence.
“The recent revelation that the night club owner has registered a new company at that address is deeply worrying.”
He added: “With reports that she holds a fifteen year lease, it’s time for Bling to make good on its commitments and pay up its debts.”