Is That Karma?

Wiltshire council have revoked the licence of Chippenham’s most popular night club, Karma

Police have felt that following prior warning and a licence review in August 2009 that the club has failed to adhere to demands. Karma owners were told to begin controlling the trouble caused by drunken customers.

Owner Mike Rosser and manager Jack Frost claim that they have made improvements and increased vigilance when it comes to drunken disturbances caused by their punters. However Wiltshire Council has been unsatisfied with the results and withdrawn their licence rights.

Rosser and Frost have confirmed they will be appealing the decision through the courts.

Mr Rosser recently told Karma’s 6,096 followers on Facebook not to worry.

“Just to confirm, we are still open as usual. We have not been closed; we are going to Court to get this sorted once and for all.” He went on to thank his customers for their support and announced the launch of a new ‘Indie’ night being held on Fridays.

Karma has been one Chippenham’s biggest nightclub, bringing customers from surrounding towns such as Melksham, Trowbridge and Devizes.

Mike Smith, 21, is a regular customer of Karma.

“I go to Karma whenever I am on a night out in Chippenham. It’s the best nightlife the town has,” said Mr. Smith. “There are plenty of other places in Chippenham that have cheap drinks and people will get drunk there before heading to Karma.”

Bars such as Brunel, and rival club Ellevens also have drink deals and have not been approached to change their policies.

“Those places aren’t getting in trouble. I think the council will find that even with Karma shut, people will still get drunk and cause problems. They can’t close down every bar in Chippenham,” said Mr. Smith.

Businesses such as Reg’s Kebab Shop and local taxi drivers have also expressed concern, worrying that they will be affected badly by Karma’s closure.

The appeal date is yet to be announced.