Factory could be forced to close following bouncer attack

Manchester Council have confirmed that an emergency licensing meeting will be held on Wednesday to determine whether the popular Manchester nightclub, Factory 251 will be closed down.

The decision comes after video footage emerged showing eight privately hired bouncers attacking two 18 year old men, Joe Sharratt and Leon Cooper who is a first year University of Manchester student in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Screenshots taken from the footage

One of the victims, 18 year old Joe Sharratt has been hospitalised. All of the accused have since been sacked.

Councillor Pat Karney tweeted today that an "emergency licensing committee will be held Wednesday to review [Factory's] license. The club owners will be summoned in. We are working closely with the GMP".

As of yet, it remains unclear whether Factory's license will be fully stripped away or simply modified, which would mean the introduction of a new manager, or even changes to the club's closing times.

Following the news that stricter regulations have been placed on South Manchester bars, it seems clear that Manchester's nightlife has been dwindling for a long time. A vote to close Factory would not be a huge surprise, considering the closures Antwerp Mansion and Sound Control earlier this year.

Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, executive member for neighbourhoods has promised a swift decision, stating that "any action the council takes on Wednesday will precede a full review into the venue’s licence which will take place within 28 working days.”

He added: "the thoughts of the council, and I am sure all of Manchester are wholly with the injured Joe Sharratt, and we wish him a speedy recovery."

Updates to follow.