A music venue which helped propel the likes of Fatboy Slim and Coldplay to fame could be facing closure.

Directors of Concorde 2 in Madeira Drive, Brighton, have had to cancel shows and issue refunds to under-18s who may no longer be allowed in the venue from November 24.

The club, which hosts up to nine gigs a week, has been told it may not be able to serve alcohol at "all age" shows where youngsters from the age of 14 watch live bands alongside older fans.

Instead, they will have to hold separate events, the majority of which would be for over-18s only.

Older fans would still be able to come to the under-18s gigs but alcohol would not be served. So far only one show, tribute band Greenish Day, has remained open to younger fans.

Christina Haynes, one of the club's directors, said without a combined audience the fan base would not be big enough to make live music financially viable.

The decision could put an end to the venue's tradition of hosting the latest up-and-coming rock, punk and indie bands.

Mrs Haynes, 43, said: "It would be a loss to Brighton and to the young if they were prohibited from coming here to see bands. Concorde 2 would become an over-18s nightclub. It makes me very sad.

"We offer something that young people can't get anywhere else and it would be a great shame to lose that. Where are the young people going to go if they are not allowed here anymore?

"It is a business at the end of the day, not a charity. Concorde 2 needs its bar to make money and the promoters and bands need their fans to sell tickets."

She said strict rules are in place to ensure under-18s cannot drink alcohol at gigs. Wristbands are handed out to identify those over 18, rounds of drinks cannot be bought at the bar and under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Sussex Police licensing officers made the recommendations when the club submitted its renewed licensing application in line with new licensing laws which come into effect in November.

Brighton and Hove city councillors will consider the application on November 22.

Music promoters have said separating the two age groups would be a tragedy.

Ian MacKenzie, who runs Immediate Presents, in Sydney Street, Brighton, said: "At the moment, you can go to Concorde 2 and see four generations of people enjoying the same music. It's like we are being told different age groups should enjoy different music. In all the years I have put on gigs, there has never been any trouble at all. The kids are there because they like the music not because they want to get drunk and pass out."

Lisa Maisey, 30, of Lout Promotions, said: "This will really affect the music community in Brighton. It's a real shame for the kids who get to see up-and-coming bands and the bands who have made their name playing here.

"There is no point in us doing over-18 shows because we won't sell enough tickets and the rent will be more expensive because Concorde won't be able to take as much money at the bar."

Josh Dean, 42, of Family Entertainment which organises gigs for award-winning band Trivium, said: "It's tragic. We have given young people a chance to listen to music in a safe environment and become inspired and we could lose that."

A Sussex Police licensing spokesman said he could not comment on any specific case and that each application would be dealt with on its merits.

He added: "I am sure parents who let their children go to venues for under 18s would want them to be as safe as possible. Ensuring the protection of children from harm is one of the four licensing objectives and something we will consider. Police are campaigning to cut down on alcohol-related crime and disorder.

"We are open to suggestions and compromises - nothing is cut and dried yet."

A city council spokesman said: "The licensing panel is meeting on 22 November for the first hearing of the renewal of Concord 2's licensing application. As part of the process, recommendations have been received from the police and trading standards.

"A decision cannot, and has not, be made until the hearing takes place."

Monday, October 31, 2005