Bouncers' violent attacks may close club

It is the West End venue that has played host to stars such as Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Jordan, Will Smith and David Beckham. But nightclub Sound in Leicester Square has lost its licence following a catalogue of "horrific" attacks by bouncers on customers and drunken violence among clubbers.

The venue became famous as the location for TV's Pepsi Chart Show - featuring acts such as the Spice Girls, Britney Spears and Robbie Williams - under its previous name, Sound Republic.

But now it will struggle to survive after assaults on clubbers were caught on CCTV. D o o r m e n involved in the incidents have been sacked and are under investigation and magistrates have revoked the alcohol licences.

Sound is appealing over the loss of its pub licence - up to 11pm - but it cannot overturn the loss of its late licence, making it unlikely the venue can continue as a major West End nightclub.

Superintendent Chris Bradford, in charge of operations for the Met's clubs and vice unit, said: "The video footage showing the kickings given to customers was horrific. These men were all licensed as door supervisors but quite clearly they were not doing what they should have."

Nine violent incidents were detailed by police. These include:

CCTV footage formed evidence that convinced Horseferry Road magistrates to revoke the licences on Friday. They also described the prospect of Sound staying open as a real risk to public safety.

Mr Bradford said: "Despite trying to work with the club over many months, there were no changes in the attitude of some door staff and some management.

"Central London is a wonderful place to enjoy a night out. It is my job, and the job of my officers, to make sure people can do that safely.

"This case will be an example and hopefully other West End clubs with similar doorsupervisor problems will take notice."

Sound can still serve drinks up to 11pm for a

month until its appeal hearing takes place.

The club made no comment but a statement on its website says: "Sound will be open as usual until 3am. Please note that the service of alcoholic drinks will cease at 11pm."

But police today warned that while the bouncers involved have lost their licences to work in Westminster, they can still apply to work in other London boroughs and elsewhere in the country.

After next April it will be illegal to work as a doorman without a national licence under the Security Industry Authority. Candidates must undergo five days of training.

A spokesman for the authority said: "We are moving away from the old image of a bouncer in a monkey suit."