Boss of nightclub hit by licence issues steps down

The Empire, in central Middlesbrough, has been popular with club-goers for decades

The boss of a popular nightclub has announced his departure after 30 years in the job.

Ashley Wem said he was "moving onto pastures new", weeks after Middlesbrough's Empire had its licence suspended following an alleged assault outside the venue.

The Empire has been one of the town's biggest and busiest nightclubs for generations.

Mr Wem told the BBC his decision to leave was separate to the club's licensing issues and said it had been a "privilege and an honour" to run the nightspot.

Ashley Wem has been in charge of the Middlesbrough nightclub for 30 years

Thanking club-goers, the team at the Empire and its owner, Barry Faulkner Snr, for their support, he wished the venue "all the best for the future" in a farewell message to online followers.

"I have run the world-famous Empire for just over 30 years and in this time have given the area some of the biggest bands, DJs, shows and acts on the planet, and provided a clubbing experience second to none," Mr Wem added.

Speaking to the BBC, he said he was considering writing a book about his experiences at the club.

Describing his favourite thing about running a club as "being able to put smiles onto so many people's faces", he highlighted gigs from Scissor Sisters and Miles Kane among his top memories.

'Living the life'

Mr Wem was not yet ready to reveal the next step in his career, but described decades at the club as all-consuming, "mostly in a positive way".

"You live the life of the club," he said.

"There's so much that goes on behind the scenes - you can't just open the doors and hope people come.

"I've really enjoyed it, but everything comes to an end."

Assault

Mr Wem's announcement comes weeks after the Empire's licence was suspended by Middlesbrough Council's licensing committee, following an alleged assault on 23 March.

In Cleveland Police's subsequent application for a licence review, Sgt Glyn Bavin said the victim had a seizure as a result of being thrown to the ground outside of the Corporation Road venue.

In a statement following the alleged assault, the Empire's team said it was committed to providing a safe night space and understood concerns raised.

The Empire also had its licence suspended for weeks in 2022, following a stabbing at the venue.

It has since introduced security measures including 72 cameras, ID and fingerprint scanners.

Mr Wem said: "We go above and beyond what many other clubs in the country do with regards to safety for our patrons.

"We do so much but sometimes it doesn't seem like it's enough."