A nightclub will no longer be going to court after it abandoned its appeal of a four-week closure.

Middlesbrough Council has confirmed the Empire has withdrawn its appeal so it won’t attend Teesside Magistrates’ Court in March. At the weekend, the late-night venue told revellers it would be closing its doors for four weeks from Monday, February 13 to Wednesday, March 15.

The announcement comes after the local authority ruled to suspend the venue’s premises licence in September last year after two violent incidents were linked to under 18s. The council has since rowed back on plans to force the venue to install a knife arch.

A council spokesperson said: “Since the licensing review hearing in September, 2022, The Empire have carried out a comprehensive review of their policies and procedures and have implemented a number of measures to improve public safety and to address the admittance of underage customers.

“In view of these improvements, including a comprehensive search policy with the use of knife wands, the council has agreed to remove the requirement for the installation of a knife arch at the premises. The remaining conditions and the four-week suspension imposed by the licensing committee will now be implemented and their appeal has been withdrawn.”

Cleveland Police triggered a review of the Empire’s licence which led to a two-day hearing in September last year. It came after the stabbing of a 19-year old clubgoer in the back. Three boys, one aged 15 and two aged 16, were arrested, however, no charges were brought forward and the investigation has since closed.

During the hearing, barrister Duncan Craig, representing The Empire, said it was a terrible incident but improvements have been made since.

At the same hearing, the mum of the stab victim said: “I don’t want The Empire closed down but I want to make it the safest venue in Middlesbrough not only for myself but for thousands of people. I don’t want anyone to go through what me and my husband have gone through – it’s been traumatising. It could have been a murder scene.”

The hearing also revealed that 14 door staff had been let go after the club reopened following the Covid lockdown. The new conditions will mean that door staff have to wear body cameras.

On Sunday, February 12, the club said it would continue to work with the council and Cleveland Police to ensure a secure and enjoyable environment for clubbers.

The Corporation Road venue is one of the North East’s best-known clubs and has welcomed loads of famous acts over the years including James Arthur, Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian. It currently hosts weekly club nights – Creeps on a Thursday, The Dead Rebel Club on a Friday and Shangri-La on a Saturday.