Walsall nightclub has licence revoked after dad killed outside
A Walsall nightclub has had its premises licence revoked after a man was killed outside.
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Kevin Taylor, aged 51, died near DeCode Lounge on Lichfield Street close to the town's Central Library on December 7 last year.
The business was issued with a 28-day suspension notice on December 12 after Superintendent Pervez Mohammed, of Walsall Police, called for an urgent meeting to review its licence.
On Monday (January 6), a full review hearing was held by Walsall Council where the authority made the decision to revoke the nightclub's licence.
A suspension also remains in place which means the business can't open until the appeal period against the council’s decision is over.
A Walsall Council spokeswoman said: "Following a tragic incident which resulted in the death of Kevin Taylor, on December 7, 2024, a summary review has been heard by the licensing and safety sub-committee relating to a licensed premises - DeCode Lounge, Lichfield Street, Walsall.
"The Review follows an Interim Steps Hearing, held on 12 December 2024, which suspended the premises licence for 28 days. This prevented the premises carrying out licensable activity, for example alcohol sales until the full hearing took place.
“At the full review hearing on Monday, January 6, the decision was made to revoke the premises license of DeCode Lounge.
"A suspension remains in place that prevents the premises from operating until the appeal period against the council’s decision expires.
“We are unable to further comment on the criminal investigation which remains ongoing, and our condolences are with the family and friends of the person who sadly lost their life.”
Kejuan Malone, of Osprey Close in Hall Green, Birmingham, was arrested following the incident and later charged with manslaughter.
On Monday (January 6) Malone, who is accused of punching Mr Taylor, was due to give a plea at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
However, Mr Howard Searle, prosecuting told the court that following a post mortem Mr Taylor's cause of death was "unascertained" pending further investigation.
Judge Michael Chambers KC adjourned the case and remanded Malone, aged 32, until March.
In a tribute issued by West Midlands Police following his death, Mr Taylor was described by his children as being their "guiding light", adding they would "honour his legacy always".
