The last live music venue in Kilburn which was under threat amid claims of violent clashes among drinkers has been saved from closure.
The owner of The Good Ship in Kilburn High Road, feared a review of its licence could have forced it to close for good if its opening hours were significantly shortened.
The club, where Adele, Kate Nash and The XX all honed their acts, has had its closing hours cut from 2am to 1.30am despite police requests to close earlier.
John McCooke, owner of the club, who employs three full time and 12 part-time staff, previously said if the council accepted the proposals it would “cripple the business”.
He voluntarily changed the opening hours from 4am to 3am but argued that forcing the club to close at 1am at the weekend would hit his takings hard and make the business unviable.
In response to the review the club will also introduce better CCTV, ID scanners and a new security team.
Cllr Tom Miller, cabinet member for stronger communities at Brent Council, said:
“The Good Ship is a good venue and a popular place to catch live music. We have a serious duty to ensure that people are safe, but the last thing we would want to see is businesses like this forced to close down.
“This is a common-sense outcome that helps support our local business and the London night-time economy, whilst making sure that those enjoying nightlife in Kilburn are not put in harm’s way.”
The club first opened its doors in 2005 and has since become a grassroots music venue, bar, nightclub and comedy venue all rolled into one.
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