The bar at the center of the attempted murder investigation could be forced to close for good

The bar at the center of an attempted murder investigation following a shooting could be closed for good, it has been revealed. The fate of the Avenue bar and restaurant in Rolfe Street, Smethwick, will be left up to Sandwell councilors after the venue was the scene of a shooting in the early hours of last month.

A licensing board hearing has been set for July 15, with the board having a range of powers to suspend, change or remove the bar’s license. West Midlands Police immediately asked for the bar’s license to be suspended pending a full investigation and the offices have now asked Sandwell Council to cancel the licence.

Confirmation of the hearing comes as a second man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the shooting in which three people were injured. The 21-year-old remains in custody for questioning. A 23-year-old man who was previously arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, as well as possession of a firearm and assault, has been released on bail.

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The victims, a man in his 20s and another in his 40s, as well as a woman in her 20s, were injured during the shooting. Statements were made by West Midlands Police and Sandwell Council’s licensing and public health departments, but the reports have not been made public. Access to the documents has been restricted because the information is used for the “investigation and prosecution of criminal offences”.

According to Sandwell Council’s report, the bar’s license was suspended on June 18 pending a full investigation. West Midlands Police then recommended the full license be revoked.

The premises license was relinquished by designated holder Daniel Lal on 24 June but reinstated after a transfer request to Niki Chatziminas on 1 July. The transfer request was then withdrawn two days later. The withdrawal of the application meant that the premises license reverted to the original position where Daniel Lal had surrendered it.

The licensing hearing takes place on Monday 15 July from 10.30am at Sandwell Council House in Oldbury.