Mosh pit drinks ban overruled

A nightclub and music venue has won its appeal against a ban on drinking in the area where bands play.

A licence condition at the Corporation in Sheffield meant under-18s could only be in the area where bands were playing — and drinking was also banned from this section.

Manager Mark Hobson said: "This led to numerous complaints from parents and young people alike, some stating that they would never visit the venue again as a result.

"It also resulted in what can only be described as 'enforced binge drinking'. It is a sad day when I have to watch adults forced into a room to down a pint during change over, rather than standing and enjoying the band, with a drink in one hand and their 16-year-old at their side."

The condition has now been overturned on appeal at Sheffield Magistrates. Under-18s can now visit any part of the privately-owned venue, but only on band nights.

"We have had overwhelming support in our struggle against this restriction," added Hobson.

An earlier condition, defeated one year ago at licence review, forced the Corporation to have a membership scheme for under-18s.

Hobson said this caused attendance at Saturday afternoon under-18s events, where no alcohol was served, to fall from up to 450 to around 20.