Lancashire Police triggered a review into how 53 Degrees operated

One of Preston’s leading music venues has been allowed to keep its licence by councillors.

53 Degrees on Fylde Road was hauled before licensing chiefs by Lancashire Police after a number of incidents at the venue.

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The venue, in operation since 2005 and part of the University of Central Lancashire Students’ Union, highlighted its safety record during the meeting at the Town Hall.

Peter Shilton Godwin, chief executive of the Students’ Union, said “there was never really any question of losing our licence.”

He said: “Although we would have preferred to work with the police to deal with their concerns without the need for formal licence review we are satisfied with outcome.

“This said we have worked hard with the police to arrive at sensible practical solutions to meet their concerns.

“There was never really any question of losing our licence and the review has given us a chance to improve on our already high standards.

“53 has always been a safe venue with very few incidents for the level of use and footfall. Our customers will welcome the vote of confidence in the venue management afforded by the council and the police today.”

Lancashire Police produced incident logs to show a high number of mobile phone thefts at the venue, alcohol being consumed on the premises by underage gig goers and a number of assaults during events.

Councillors at the city council’s licensing sub committee on Tuesday morning chose not to make any changes to the venues licence.

The venue said they would work closely with police licensing officers to beef up security procedures at future events and strengthen arrangements to stop under-18s purchasing alcohol.

Sergeant John Lovick from Preston Police said: “We worked very hard with 53 degrees to put forward mutually agreeable conditions which we considered will significantly reduce incidences of crime and disorder at the venue.”