MAGISTRATES have upheld a ruling to slash the opening hours of a nightclub at the centre of a drive-by shooting last year.

A review of CJ's nightclub, beneath the Black George pub in Uxbridge Road, West Ealing, was sparked after the incident in September.

Police highlighted submissions by 18 neighbours, including residents association heads and politicians, complaining about noise and intimidation from the club's patrons at the hearing in October.

The club's counsel David Dadds said the shooting could have happened anywhere and owners agreed to sign up to a raft of conditions. But councillors said this was not enough and decided to force CJ's to stop serving alcohol and playing music at 2am on Fridays and Saturday nights, two hours earlier than before.

Last Thursday (2) Jugoslav Orelj, designated premises supervisor of CJ’s and Rale Grkovic, the director of the club’s parent company, Little France Ltd, appeared at Ealing Magistrates’ Court to appeal against the decision. 

Magistrates dismissed the club’s appeal, upheld the council’s original decision and awarded the council £3000 as a contribution towards its costs.

Councillor Ranjit Dheer, cabinet member for community services and safety, said: “We're pleased the magistrates agreed with our previous decision and believed it to be proportionate to the incidents which had taken place leading up to the shooting in September. The licensing conditions are set to protect residents and other local businesses and we will always take action where a business is found to be contributing to crime and disorder."

Detective Inspector, Michael Gornall, added: “The magistrates’ decision to dismiss the appeal confirms that it was necessary to review the premises license. The new reduced operating hours will allow the premises to improve for the benefit of their customers and residents.”

Mr Grkovic, declined to comment on the Magistrates' decision but said he was considering whether to challenge the decision further.