Banqueting suite's licence suspended as man killed after incident in venue
A banqueting venue has had its licence suspended after a man was allegedly murdered when violence broke out.
An urgent licensing review hearing – called for by West Midlands Police as a result of the events in the early hours of February 21 – was held on Wednesday.
A murder inquiry was launched after Robert West, 49 – who was also known as ‘Bob Fresh’ – died after being found with serious injuries outside Cross Keys Banqueting Suite, Ladywood.
Separately, a Birmingham City Council licensing sub-committee has now made the decision to suspend the venue’s licence.
In papers to the sub-committee, Superintendent Jim Munro of West Midlands Police said: “Cross Keys Banqueting and Catering is a licensed premises located in Steward Street, Springhill, Birmingham.
“The premises is on a side street that comprises a number of commercial premises. It does not have any other licensed premises nearby. The venue is a destination venue.
“The premises is licensed for live music, recorded music, performance of dance, late night refreshment and sale of alcohol by retail until an end time of 1am daily.
“At 3.19am on February 21, a call from the ambulance service alerted police to an incident at the location.
“A male was found with injuries, and despite the efforts of the emergency services, the male was pronounced deceased.
“It is believed that the injuries were caused following an incident inside of the premises. A murder investigation is under way.
“West Midlands Police are concerned that at a time when the premises had no licence to trade, a man has tragically lost his life, and wish to bring this to the urgent attention of the licensing committee.”
The hearing was held in private for the most part due to the murder investigation – but at the meeting’s conclusion, councillors stated the licence had been suspended pending a full review hearing on March 21 at 12.30pm.
In addition, the committee took the step of removing the venue’s designated premises supervisor from the post.
An arrest was made by West Midlands Police on February 22 and the person has now been released while the investigation continues.
