Future of The Arches in doubt after licensing ruling

The future of The Arches in Glasgow has been thrown into doubt following a decision last week to close its nightclub element.

It means The Arches, a multi-arts venue, will now have to close its doors at midnight rather than 3am, a decision that executive director Mark Anderson says could result in the venue's closure.

"We're obviously very disappointed with today's outcome," Anderson said on Friday. "We will now have to consider our options but the impact of this decision may well result in the closure of one of Europe's most highly regarded arts venues, and the loss of a key contributor to Glasgow's night time economy."

The ruling of Glasgow's licensing board came in the wake of the death last year of 17-year-old clubber Regane MacColl and a wave of drug and alcohol related incidents.

A spokesman for the board said: "The decision was made in terms of the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, securing public safety and protecting and improving public health."

Over 25,000 people have already signed an online petition to reinstate the nightclub licence and secure the future of the venue.

The petition complains of "months of harassment of the venue by Police Scotland" over the venue's perceived lack of response to drug and alcohol related incidents.

It adds: "The Arches has attempted to address the concerns of the police on numerous occasions, but has been repeatedly threatened with the loss of its licence despite attempts to resolve the issues raised."

The Arches opened in 1991 and has established itself as a leading venue for theatre. Its productions have won multiple awards at the Edinburgh Fringe and elsewhere.