TIME has been called on a notorious Fulham bar after a drinker was run over following a terrifying mass brawl involving up to 40 people.
Police ordered Vintage, formerly known as Chateau 6, to shut down after the June 17 fight, which saw two people injured. Licencing bosses will now decide whether to close the bar permanently.
Trouble flared inside the club at about 1.45am when two groups of youths, including some birthday party revellers, squared up to each other. The brawl then escalated and spilled onto the street.
One victim was taken to hospital after being punched in the face, while another man was injured after being struck by a car on the corner of Barclay Road driven by one of the suspects.
Police received several calls from frightened bystanders but the suspects scattered off in several directions and escaped before any arrests could be made.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council and the police have now lost patience with the venue, which has been involved in a series of violent episodes. In 2007, a man was shot dead outside the bar, while in 2010 it temporarily lost its licence after football hooligans fought there after a Chelsea and Cardiff City match.
Despite the change of name to Vintage, there were further incidents this year, including more football violence outside following the FA Cup final and a fight last month in which a man was knocked unconscious and robbed.
Councillor Greg Smith, deputy leader and cabinet member for residents’ services, said closing the venue down was the only option. "We have seen some quite appalling acts of violence committed both inside and directly outside Vintage, with people fighting in the streets and acting like downright thugs," he said.
"On the advice of the police, the council has taken this action as we have a duty to act in the best interests of law-abiding local residents. There is no place for mindless hooliganism on the streets of Hammersmith and Fulham and we will work side-by-side with the police to make the borough as safe as possible."
