The Afters Nightclub: Police raise concerns over drug use and violence as they call for review of its licence

It comes as Portsmouth City Council’s licensing sub-committee meets next week (September 9) to review the premises licence for The Afters Nightclub at 4-6 Guildhall Walk at the request of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police as a result of “significant concerns” since the venue opened in March this year.

They say that on April 6, police responded to “multiple issues” at the club, including customers leaving with suspected Class A drugs and re-entering the venue unchallenged while “heavily under the influence”.

When the owner was confronted about customers possessing drugs, documents said he responded: “At least they wasn’t in the club.” According to the committee papers, the following evening two men were kicked out for suspected drug use; one was found carrying ketamine, and the other was taken to hospital by ambulance after a potential adverse reaction to ketamine or cocaine.

Police have also said that on April 28, another man attempted to punch a security guard after being refused entry due to intoxication and having white powder on his nose. He was arrested for common assault but was offered a community resolution order after the security guard said he did not wish to pursue formal action.

In conclusion, the police expressed the view that “robust action” is needed to address issues at the venue and criticised “the current poor management” – saying conditions relating to toilets, door supervisors, CCTV and ID scanning had all been breached.

The building has historically operated as a late-night entertainment venue under various names, including the Every Cloud Club, Zanzi, and Fuzzy Duck.

A representation made by the council’s licensing manager noted that the sole director, Ms Lydia Taylor, is likely to fail to prevent crime, disorder, and public nuisance, potentially breaching other licensing objectives. It was also suggested that Ms Taylor might be the licence holder “in name only”, with her partner, Jonny Robinson, appearing to make the “major decisions”.

Despite the concerns raised by the police, the review attracted eight supportive representations from residents, performers, and neighbouring business owners. One representation, submitted by a member of the house music duo Soul Divide said: “I hope the venue stays open as there is hardly any nightlife in the city anymore.”