i went past neich t night at 02.20 and there was police all over some armed 2 hoeses and 2 vans wot happened

.. it was kicking out time.. ? :P

rofl

Niche is always like that, why anyone would want to go..

me and a couple of mates were drivin through town and just outside decathlon was a LOT of police, a double decker bus full and a coach full, and a LOT of riot vans, helicopter , dogs, the lot, went and looked closer, every way to get to niche was blocked off and there was a raid taking place, escorting everyone into a car park by the looks of it,... im sure it will be in papers soon.... never seen anything like it

I wondered why there were riot vans and police cars driving down Queens road this morning at about 2:00 AM.

I wish I went to Niche last night, just my luck :(

[MOD NOTE] Threads merged

Originally posted by Rentaknight
.. it was kicking out time.. ? :P

rofl

Niche is always like that, why anyone would want to go..

Where do you get thet stupid statistic from?

Where do you get thet stupid statistic from?

perhaps from the number of murders, shootings, stabbings, drug arrests, numbers of criminals who frequent it, metal detectors at the doors, door men that wear bullet proof vests, and the number of stolen cars parked up outside....?

just a guess though, could be wrong...

Originally posted by morris1
perhaps from the number of murders, shootings, stabbings, drug arrests, numbers of criminals who frequent it, metal detectors at the doors, door men that wear bullet proof vests, and the number of stolen cars parked up outside....?

just a guess though, could be wrong...

Im still not seeing any real statistics.

Im still not seeing any real statistics.

And the point is ??

1 owner murdered
2 Police officers attempt murdered (whilst stood outside)
3 Drive-by shootings last 2 years

does it take really take statistics to prove the place is a ***t hole?

and yes... I have been in the place, out of curiousity several times.
Each time witnessed drug dealing by staff, and drug use by punters. Each time proved that the place is indeed a ***t hole...

sorry if you disagree... if thats your taste in a night club, then fair does. I dont think the Police would commit that many resources to a place if didnt warrant it...?

Originally posted by morris1
And the point is ??

1 owner murdered
2 Police officers attempt murdered (whilst stood outside)
3 Drive-by shootings last 2 years

does it take really take statistics to prove the place is a ***t hole?

and yes... I have been in the place, out of curiousity several times.
Each time witnessed drug dealing by staff, and drug use by punters. Each time proved that the place is indeed a ***t hole...

sorry if you disagree... if thats your taste in a night club, then fair does. I dont think the Police would commit that many resources to a place if didnt warrant it...?

Its not the only club these things have happened at. Its just the most publicised.

According to the club's management, it was a "show of force" by the police. They reckon it was a response to the Bradford shooting - the police showing the "undesirable elements" that they've "got more firepower". They turned up in numbers, did a search but didn't find anything, hung around for a while, then went.

Whether that's the whole story - I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Originally posted by enviale
According to the club's management, it was a "show of force" by the police. They reckon it was a response to the Bradford shooting - the police showing the "undesirable elements" that they've "got more firepower". They turned up in numbers, did a search but didn't find anything, hung around for a while, then went.

Whether that's the whole story - I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Makes sense. A lot of lads from Bradford come to Niche.

Its not the only club these things have happened at. Its just the most publicised.
I can't think of another club in Sheffield that has had anything like the same number of (violent) crimes.

Apparently there were 12 people arrested and various substances taken away for analysis.

Originally posted by hotphil
I can't think of another club in Sheffield that has had anything like the same number of (violent) crimes.

No other club has been open as long thats why.

Originally posted by spyro2000
No other club has been open as long thats why.

Josephines/Banus has been open since the world began :D

Originally posted by jayjay
Josephines/Banus has been open since the world began :D

lol you make a valid point :rolleyes:

However Niche is still the longest running club around by miles. Same night, same music, week in week out year after year.

Originally posted by spyro2000
lol you make a valid point :rolleyes:

However Niche is still the longest running club around by miles. Same night, same music, week in week out year after year.

And still the same k*******s week in, week out:hihi:

The Bradford thing is a bit of a red herring - the gang responsible for the Bradford shooting are from South London.

Originally posted by hotphil
I can't think of another club in Sheffield that has had anything like the same number of (violent) crimes.

Have you forgotten Club Element? The police closed it at one stage, and then opposed its license.

If you haven't heard it was like a military operation, about 250-300 police outside waiting to search everyone as they left. In the end they gave up and let half of them go without searching everyone

:thumbsup:

Originally posted by malton_s5
If you haven't heard it was like a military operation, about 250-300 police outside waiting to search everyone as they left. In the end they gave up and let half of them go without searching everyone

:thumbsup:

They did the same when there raided crasher back in 2001!!!!

Link to the relevant story in todays Star: -

http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=58&ArticleID=1269146

Bet Coppers feel a bit daft though!

Hiring Mini-buses etc to raid the boozer, hundred or more coppers involved, and yet only 12 arrests!

Hail the success of SYP again!

Matt

Originally posted by jediwarrior
i went past neich t night at 02.20 and there was police all over some armed 2 hoeses and 2 vans wot happened

there's nothing unusual about that mate:)

Originally posted by Dj_Shadowman
And still the same k*******s week in, week out:hihi:

shut up hippy...........you wouldn't know a good tune if it bit ya........and having seen your cd collection i'm suprised you actually get any work:hihi: :hihi: :hihi: :hihi: :hihi: :hihi:

Originally posted by kirky
shut up hippy...........you wouldn't know a good tune if it bit ya........and having seen your cd collection i'm suprised you actually get any work:hihi: :hihi: :hihi: :hihi: :hihi: :hihi:

Am I right in saying that you told me he belongs on Hospital radio kirky????? Stir, Stir, Stir

Matt

Originally posted by matt1889
Am I right in saying that you told me he belongs on Hospital radio kirky????? Stir, Stir, Stir

Matt

radio 4 mate..........zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Originally posted by kirky
shut up hippy...........you wouldn't know a good tune if it bit ya........and having seen your cd collection i'm suprised you actually get any work:hihi: :hihi: :hihi: :hihi: :hihi: :hihi:

Hippy....hippy !
Get bent :heyhey:

im as much a hippy as you are the feckin' pope !

Your "cd collection" is nearly identical to mine (apart from I have a rock section in mine)

And you are surprised that I actually get any work ?

strange, as most of it comes from you.

But then again, you do need to sub it out as you are not as young as you used to be are you :hihi:

Originally posted by matt1889
Hiring Mini-buses etc to raid the boozer, hundred or more coppers involved, and yet only 12 arrests!


300 coppers, says the Star.

That's about 10% of the South Yorkshire Force.

Where did they find all these officers from? :suspect:

The officer swere happy to work the over-time, due to the South Yorks Police offering free coffe and dough-nuts to all officers who worked! lol

Originally posted by kirky
radio 4 mate..........zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Little wrong with Radio 4, besides it is a mucic free station apart from the odd jingle and Desert Island Discs.

Now Now girls :hihi: :hihi:

Originally posted by venger
Little wrong with Radio 4, besides it is a mucic free station apart from the odd jingle and Desert Island Discs.

Now Now girls :hihi: :hihi:

which suits him fine coz he hasn't got any music:D

I wonder if the raid in question was recorded for a future edition of P***head Patrol or whatever other fly-in-the-cop-car TV shows South Yorkshire Police frequently star in.

well im suprised neich is still open wi wot goes on in there i bin once and when i left i was worse than when i went in the place and all i had was water cos i was ****** when i went in and came out high as a kite

cant say im a fan of the music thats played there, so i've never been in, but i've got a few friends who go, and like all places, there's alot of made up rubbish about the place, alot of it comes from kids who dont even go there, but make out they do to make them look better:suspect:

anyway, looks like they're wanting to shut the place down, and after a huge raid like this, and only arresting 12 people, its laughable.

im sure if they raided most nightclubs, or pubs, they'd be able to find 12 people with substances on them:loopy:

once again, this city could be trying to shut down another all night nightclub:loopy:

nice to know that syp can suply 300 officers for one club now i know where my council tax goes. Plus when u call police there to busy eatin there donuts

Originally posted by jediwarrior
nice to know that syp can suply 300 officers for one club now i know where my council tax goes. Plus when u call police there to busy eatin there donuts

Now, now... That's not true. American police eat donuts, ours eat yorkshire puddings! :p

Originally posted by jediwarrior
Plus when u call police there to busy eatin there donuts

At least you dont stereotype people :rolleyes:

FROM SHEFFIELD STAR

Hundreds of police in nightclub drugs raid
HUNDREDS of police officers stormed a Sheffield nightclub and arrested 12 people in drugs raid in the early hours of yesterday.
As clubbers partied at Niche on Sidney Street, in the city centre, over 300 officers and specialist sniffer dogs burst inside and executed a search warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
So many officers were used in the operation they were taken to the club on buses.
The club was sealed off to prevent revellers leaving and the street outside was cordoned off while the premises and people were searched.
The police helicopter was also used to monitor activity from the air.
Police said a "quantity" of substances were recovered in and around the club, which have all been sent for analysis. Of the 12 people arrested, three were from Manchester, two were from Leeds and the rest were from Sheffield.
They were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including possession of Class A drugs and public order offences.
A meeting is due to be held between police and Sheffield's licensing authority to discuss the raid and the future of the club.
A police spokeswoman said: "Twelve people have been arrested and are being questioned in relation to a number of alleged offences.
"There will be a meeting early in the week between police and the licensing authority to discuss the next step in relation to these premises."
Niche, which opened 11 years as an "all-nighter" venue, has previously been on the wrong end of headlines.
In June last year a man in his 20s took a bullet in the stomach in a drive-by shooting outside the venue.
And in 1998, then Niche boss Michael Baxendale - brother of the club's present owner Steve - was fatally stabbed outside the same building.
28 November 2005

Originally posted by Fingers
I wonder if the raid in question was recorded for a future edition of P***head Patrol or whatever other fly-in-the-cop-car TV shows South Yorkshire Police frequently star in.

not many people in the niche are ******.........stoned and off their tits but not ******

And stuff like this is exactly the reason I wouldn't touch nightclubs with a 10 foot bargepole... It is NOT anything to do with the likes of Fuel being gay clubs...

My sympathies go to the family of the murdered owner.

Originally posted by Rich
And stuff like this is exactly the reason I wouldn't touch nightclubs with a 10 foot bargepole... It is NOT anything to do with the likes of Fuel being gay clubs...



Stuff like what? Whilst Niche has a reputation, the evidence is that only 12 people were arrested for relatively minor offences. As has been stated, you would probably find more than 12 people carrying somthing they shouldn't in most pubs at a weekend.

I think this is possible a "show of force" by the police, given that it was the first weekend of the new licencing regime. Perhaps they wanted to demonstrate that they were willing to use their new powers to close "problem" clubs.

The Police don't do this for no reason at all and they would have been acting on intelligence gathered before the night.


As to only 12 arrests, I'll bet that there was an awful lot more 'substance' on the floor, just like that night when 'Crasher was raided. Anyone with small 'personal' amounts will more than likely be told to go on their way.

The Police would have been looking for dealers, and it sounds like they caught them. It will be interesting to know who / what the arrested people were.

Originally posted by Andy
Stuff like what? Whilst Niche has a reputation, the evidence is that only 12 people were arrested for relatively minor offences. As has been stated, you would probably find more than 12 people carrying somthing they shouldn't in most pubs at a weekend.

I think this is possible a "show of force" by the police, given that it was the first weekend of the new licencing regime. Perhaps they wanted to demonstrate that they were willing to use their new powers to close "problem" clubs.

Yeah but at least if you stick to local pubs, with the odd exception you're pretty much garaunteed a peaceful night in most pubs in the UK with the only thing bad happening is if someone complains about not getting head on their beer.

Might be a bit boring I'll grant you that but I'd much rather that than a pub full of coppers attending to violent episodes.

Originally posted by Internetowl
The Bradford thing is a bit of a red herring - the gang responsible for the Bradford shooting are from South London.

Do you mean "Sarf Landon"

Originally posted by kirky
not many people in the niche are ******.........stoned and off their tits but not ******

I don't think the programme makers are that bothered whether members of the public are ****** or stoned just as long as they're off their head and preferably falling over and ideally getting stroppy with the police.

I've warned you about swearing already and if I hear you swearing again then I will arrest you.

I WON'T SWEAR AGAIN! I ****ING PROMISE!

Originally posted by Fingers
I don't think the programme makers are that bothered whether members of the public are ****** or stoned just as long as they're off their head and preferably falling over and ideally getting stroppy with the police.

I've warned you about swearing already and if I hear you swearing again then I will arrest you.

I WON'T SWEAR AGAIN! I ****ING PROMISE!

Programme makeres? :confused:

Originally posted by spyro2000
Programme makeres? :confused:

South Yorkshire Police are one of the more popular forces for makers of fly-on-the-wall TV programmes about the police. If I remember rightly sometimes SYP have starred in two programmes in an evening such as "Traffic Cops" on BBC1 and "Crimestoppers" on Yorkshire. It wouldn't be surprising if the many officers involved in last weekend's raid were accompanied by a camera crew who may stick around to cover the Sheffield derby too (although they had better not blow the cover of any of their colleagues trying to pass themselves off as hooligans).

Crime definitely pays if you work in television.

No idea, I wasn't there !!

Originally posted by Julietenerif
No idea, I wasn't there !!

why?

Originally posted by kirky
why?

Maybe she doesn't appreciate good music. :|

Originally posted by spyro2000
Maybe she doesn't appreciate good music. :|

thats what i was thinking...........she was probably round the corner in republic wearing fluffy boots and a bumble bee suit :hihi: :hihi: :hihi:

or then again she may have been in tenerife.......but as her drunken drummer friend said..its a small world:D

Originally posted by Andy

I think this is possible a "show of force" by the police, given that it was the first weekend of the new licencing regime. Perhaps they wanted to demonstrate that they were willing to use their new powers to close "problem" clubs.

Originally posted by Andy C
FROM SHEFFIELD STAR

A police spokeswoman said: "There will be a meeting early in the week between police and the licensing authority to discuss the next step in relation to these premises."

28 November 2005

I'm sitting on the Licensing Board in the morning (Tue 29 Nov) to hear objections against applications under the new Licensing Act. I'm now wondering if it's going to be a much longer sitting than I anticipated?

Originally posted by redrobbo
I'm sitting on the Licensing Board in the morning (Tue 29 Nov) to hear objections against applications under the new Licensing Act. I'm now wondering if it's going to be a much longer sitting than I anticipated?

to be honest i think niche would still be busy without a drinks licence,i used to go when it was called nemo's and all they sold at the bar was ice pops........or are you talkin music/entertainments licence

You are right Kirky. Niche doesnt need a drinks license to get customers.

When i first started going, they were open from 12 till 12, and I think drinks stopped being served at 2am, which left 10 straight hours of no drink. It was still ram packed come 12 pm.

wotz happernin at niche??? will it be open this w/end???

Niche will always be open :)

Originally posted by spyro2000
You are right Kirky. Niche doesnt need a drinks license to get customers.

When i first started going, they were open from 12 till 12, and I think drinks stopped being served at 2am, which left 10 straight hours of no drink. It was still ram packed come 12 pm.

quid for a bottle of water and if you wernt feeling to good pills were only 3 for a tenner........

Originally posted by kirky
to be honest i think niche would still be busy without a drinks licence,i used to go when it was called nemo's and all they sold at the bar was ice pops........or are you talkin music/entertainments licence

I can't comment Kirky. As Andy pointed out, the new Licensing Law came into force at the weekend, and this gives the police new powers.

It just so happens that the Licensing Board is holding a scheduled sitting tomorrow. It remains to be seen whether the police will use this opportunity to hold a meeting "early in the week between police and the licensing authority to discuss the next step in relation to these premises."

Maybe the police will just hold discussons with licensing staff, or maybe they will make a submission to the Board itself? We are all in unchartered territory now that the new licensing law is operating. But looking at this quote from the police, it is clear they do intend to "discuss the next step in relation to these premises".

Put a good word in ay RedRobbo ;)

Originally posted by spyro2000
Put a good word in ay RedRobbo ;)

Here's a better idea. Tell the Licensing Board that if Niche is closed down hundreds of pikeys will be wandering around the streets of Sheffield every Friday and Saturday night looking for other venues which are suitable for pikeyification. Indeed, instead of closing it down they should increase the capacity of the venue to at least double the existing capacity.

Originally posted by Everz
wotz happernin at niche??? will it be open this w/end???

Why don't you check their website this week? Click here:

http://www.pikeymagnet.co.uk

Just kidding. Here are the right URLs for their site and news section:

http://www.nicheallniter.co.uk/home.asp

http://www.nicheallniter.co.uk/board/news/default.asp

:gag: i dont think can look forward to extended drinking there anyway.

dj played kaiser chiefs " i predict a riot "
BOY HE WAS RIGHT

More chance of platting fog !

The club wasn't stromed, an evacuation was ordered. As I had my records I was one of the last few to leave the club and there was nothing on the floor.

And yes the operation was well over the top for a drug raid, police say they recovered a 'quantity' of drugs, this word suggests they didn't get get the result they wanted. A quantity can mean anything from a few pills, when Republic was raided they recovered a 'substantial quantity'.

More tax payers money wasted.

Face it kid, the clubers love you (for whatever reason), but the council & plod hate you. Last year when there were shots fired into the door, it was allover the papers, the same weekend there were shootings in the round house that didn't get reported on. I smells a rat here!

Because i'm good? :D Despite my baby face i'm no Kid either, 29 believe it or not

Good point though

Didn't mean to sound perdantic, just a figure of speach

I know matey :)

No info an niche website!!! Does any1 no 4 def wots appernin this w/end??? rnt some dilinq boyz playin???

Originally posted by Everz
No info an niche website!!! Does any1 no 4 def wots appernin this w/end??? rnt some dilinq boyz playin???


What! anyone translate :) :)

The operation undertaken by the police must have cost thousands of tax payers £'s. As I remember it costs approx £20,000 for an armed response unit, so god knows how much 300 officers cost. Im glad I no longer live in South Yorkshire and have paid for what appears to have been a pretty large scale waste of time. I would Imagine of the meager 12 people arrested several of them will be people who have complained about being held outside the club in freezing weather conditions for a ridiculous period of time.

However it is nice to know that SYP do have the resources available to undertake large scale operations, all they need now is a bit of direction.

Originally posted by PatzB
What! anyone translate :) :)

the youth of today eh:hihi: :hihi: :hihi: :hihi: :hihi: :hihi:

Originally posted by Fingers
pikeyification.

:hihi: :hihi: :hihi: :hihi:
totally the most funniest word ive heard in a long time, LOL even hubby was highly amused by that hes been walking round the shop saying it and laughing to his self :D

thankyou for brightning our morning up fingers :thumbsup:

I have been to Niche and I felt that cautious of what was going on around me, I couldn't relax and didn't enjoy myself at all. This was mainly because of the things I’d heard about the place before I went. The reason why I went is because I was curious of the place and wanted to find out for myself what it was like.

I knew a lot of people that were in there and felt 'protected' by them, but still I felt like I couldn't look at anyone in the face because I didn't want to be accused of 'giving dirty looks' and getting into a fight.

It's a shame because it’s the only place in Sheffield that plays that kind of music.

I wouldn't knock the place till you've tried it, but its not for the faint hearted.

XXX

Originally posted by climaxchick
I have been to Niche and I felt that cautious of what was going on around me, I couldn't relax and didn't enjoy myself at all. This was mainly because of the things I’d heard about the place before I went. The reason why I went is because I was curious of the place and wanted to find out for myself what it was like.

I knew a lot of people that were in there and felt 'protected' by them, but still I felt like I couldn't look at anyone in the face because I didn't want to be accused of 'giving dirty looks' and getting into a fight.

It's a shame because it’s the only place in Sheffield that plays that kind of music.

I wouldn't knock the place till you've tried it, but its not for the faint hearted.

XXX

Totally agree with you. I used to go a few years ago and yeah it totally freaked me out at first, but I grew to love it. I felt more uncomfortable in Bed nightclub because you got stared at if you didnt look like you shop on Divison St.

Ive grown out of that scene now, plus the club is not as good as it used to be.

Originally posted by redrobbo


It just so happens that the Licensing Board is holding a scheduled sitting tomorrow. It remains to be seen whether the police will use this opportunity to hold a meeting "early in the week between police and the licensing authority to discuss the next step in relation to these premises."

Maybe the police will just hold discussons with licensing staff, or maybe they will make a submission to the Board itself? We are all in unchartered territory now that the new licensing law is operating. But looking at this quote from the police, it is clear they do intend to "discuss the next step in relation to these premises".

Well, the Licensing Board held their scheduled meeting today, and there was no approach made from the police to put the Niche night-club on the agenda.

Originally posted by redrobbo
Well, the Licensing Board held their scheduled meeting today, and there was no approach made from the police to put the Niche night-club on the agenda.

so it buisness as usual?

Originally posted by redrobbo
Well, the Licensing Board held their scheduled meeting today, and there was no approach made from the police to put the Niche night-club on the agenda.

:clap:

Anyone Going Down Friday 2nd December 2005

Originally posted by malton_s5
Anyone Going Down Friday 2nd December 2005

More than likely.

Big Night So Like My Self Get There Early

I Hear Theres Alot Of Produces Going To Be There :thumbsup:

Originally posted by kirky
so it buisness as usual?

whey hey i'll brush down the old bullet proof jacket and get mi best trainers scrubed up:thumbsup:

what happened at niche on saturday, heard it got raided. is it shutting down coz there's meant to be a top night there this friday!

I'm sure most have you have heard about events at Niche on Saturday, latest news is that....

A closure notice has been placed, a hearing will be heard tomorrow.

Now is the time for this.....

[QUOTE]chris bailey on Bass.cutz.....I would ask Bass.cutz members (and others - Nev Wright) to do their bit to help Niche in their fight, if you were there write down what happened to you, what other things you saw, how the police treated you or made you feel, it was bloody freezing that night so how long did they make you wait, did they keep you warm, were there any toilets and anything else that you can think of. If you can send a letter to the sheffield star newspaper with your experiences and a copy to me at the club so i can pass it on to our solicitors this would help us no end. Even if you weren't there on the night the more letters to the star the better so express your opinion and help us save the club from the police. If Niche has meant as much to you over the years as it has to me and all my DJs and staff put pen to paper and help us to keep on doing what we do best. Thanx
P.S if you would prefer to email your views then send them to me at djchris.bailey@btinternet.com

Chris Bailey
Niche Nightclub
87 - 91 Sydney St
Sheffield
S1 4RG


In case anyone can't find contact details for the local media here it is >>>>

http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ContactUs.aspx

What, so it's closing down?

I heard this lad on the bus talking about it and I think he said it was closing down, don't know if I got it wrong though, as usual lol.

They have served a closure notice, this means the police want to close it but it has to be heard at a hearing.

That hearing is tomorrow, likely outcome of that is an adjournment but I don't see them allowing opening during the adjournment.

Will keep people up to date.

crazy:loopy: like i said earlier, if they stormed most city centre bars and clubs, they'd find the same ammount of substances, just looks like a witch hunt to me:suspect:

Originally posted by climaxchick
I have been to Niche and I felt that cautious of what was going on around me, I couldn't relax and didn't enjoy myself at all. This was mainly because of the things I’d heard about the place before I went. The reason why I went is because I was curious of the place and wanted to find out for myself what it was like.

I knew a lot of people that were in there and felt 'protected' by them, but still I felt like I couldn't look at anyone in the face because I didn't want to be accused of 'giving dirty looks' and getting into a fight.

It's a shame because it’s the only place in Sheffield that plays that kind of music.

I wouldn't knock the place till you've tried it, but its not for the faint hearted.

XXX

Here's a question that springs to my mind. If Niche and the music played in Niche are so popular why is there no other place in Sheffield like it where the same sort of music is played? Clubs can change hands, can change their DJs and can change their music and dress policies so why hasn't someone working in the highly competitive free market night-time economy created a rival to Niche?

Surely it can't be because Niche somehow has a monopoly on a particular type of music because DJs can buy that music from lots of places (including over the Internet) and the people who make or sell that music will want to make money from making it or selling it so what are the other possibilities? Could one of them be that for some reason other club owners don't want the people who go to Niche to come into their clubs? Could one of them be that for some reason other club owners are happy to try to compete with other clubs but something makes them wary of trying to compete with Niche?

Originally posted by SpeedwayDan
crazy:loopy: like i said earlier, if they stormed most city centre bars and clubs, they'd find the same ammount of substances, just looks like a witch hunt to me:suspect:

They have always been out to get niche, but Niche has always took the knocks, brushed them off and carried on with things.

Heres to another 10 years of Niche :thumbsup:

Fingers, you raise a good point, but rather than Niche being a 'problem club' that people don't want to compete with, the style of music that Niche specialises in does tend to attract some of the more unsavoury clubbers.

I know of at least one club owner that gave it up as a bad job because it was more trouble than it was worth with the people that he suddenly found in his place.

So, whilst Niche has its problems I suspect that it ploughs its special furrow in spite of them rather than because of them. Niche has grown up around it rather than being the cause of it. I'm sure that the owner finds no joy in the trouble that sometimes (very publicly :huh: ) goes off down there, and previously at grave personal cost in the past. However, sometimes people have a 'niche' business and whilst it's tough, it's what they do.

If the licencing authorities wanted to close down Niche they have had long enough to do so. Therefore you have to draw the conclusion that the club itself isn't badly run in their eyes, and they obviously have enough paying customers that like too.

As an aside, it wouldn't be the first time that a police raid had happened with the full prior knowledge and consent of a club, willingly, grudgingly or otherwise.

Keep us upto date please on the hearing :thumbsup:

It has said on the radio this morning, the police want to close it down as they see it as a "Crack House".

ive been to niche 100's of times and have never sen anyone doing crack

Originally posted by kirky
ive been to niche 100's of times and have never sen anyone doing crack

True, people just talk alot of bull about niche, i hear this and that its getting annoying now :rant:

Vote And Have Your Say On Niche Nightclub :thumbsup:

Please Vote Here (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=74709)

Originally posted by kirky
ive been to niche 100's of times and have never sen anyone doing crack

Here is a lengthy quote from a Home Office document called "Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 - Notes of Guidance Part 1, sections 1–11"

http://www.together.gov.uk/cagetfile.asp?rid=125

Closure of premises used in connection with the production, supply or use of Class A drugs and associated with the occurrence of disorder or serious nuisance

Premises where drugs are used unlawfully

Annex C:
CHARACTERISTICS OF ‘CRACK HOUSES’ OR DRUG DENS

This power is designed to be principally used against ‘crack houses’ or drug dens and it is envisioned that this is the main type of premises targeted. The characteristics below are not a statutory or even prescribed definition of a ‘crack house’ or drug den. They are simply guidance on characteristics that are often found at such premises. The presence of any of these factors does not ensure a successful Closure Order, as the Order is dependent on the court’s interpretation of the individual merits of the case. However, ‘crack houses’ and drug dens which cause distress to the community through disorder or serious nuisance and which therefore are liable to be issued with a Closure Notice through this power may have certain characteristics:
. crack cocaine, heroin or other Class A drugs are supplied and used there;
. Class B or C drugs may also be available;
. there is often a trade in stolen goods, particularly credit cards and mobile phones;
. users will often take drugs on the premises so chances of arrests for possession
are lower;
. activity in the house will peak once a delivery has been made – this can involve hundreds of people visiting;
. dealers will sometimes use prostitutes or runners to deliver the drugs or will take drugs there themselves if they do not have a trusted proxy;
. internal transportation is a favoured method of delivering the drugs;
. sex may be sold or sexual acts may be obvious in public around the premises;
. houses will often be sparsely furnished and will in most cases contain much drug paraphernalia;
. drug paraphernalia will often be found in the vicinity;
. the occupant of the house may or may not be present;
. the occupier will usually be a drug user but if not will be a vulnerable person;
. it is rare for owner-occupiers or private sector rented accommodation to be involved but this will depend upon the effectiveness of action that may already have caused displacement from social housing;
. crime in the area surrounding the premises will be high, particularly acquisitive crime;
. there may be a measurable increase in crime in the 500m2 around the location following the establishment of a ‘crack house’ or drug den;
. cocaine may be ‘baked’ on the premises to produce crack cocaine;
. there will often be a defensible space within the premises from where dealing can take place away from public view;
. there will be separate spaces where people can use the drugs for what are often long periods of time.

FOLLOWING TAKEN FROM SHEFFIELD STAR WEBSITE

Close it
POLICE and council bosses today asked Sheffield magistrates to close down a city nightclub under tough legislation designed to shut down drug dens.

A temporary closure notice detailing their intention to apply for Niche nightclub to be closed under "crackhouse" legislation for three months was served on the management of the Sidney Street venue yesterday afternoon.
The notice closed the club temporarily pending today's court hearing under anti-social behaviour legislation designed to shut down crack dens.
The hearing was adjourned until December 12 - and the court heard the club must remain closed to the public until then.
Only the three club directors - Steven Baxendale, Brian Kay and Christopher Bailey - will be allowed to enter the building, along with the resident caretaker and one workman who can enter under the supervision of police to repair two doors damaged in the raid.
If next month's hearing is successful the venue will not be able to trade as a club for three months.
Before today's hearing Brian Kay, managing director of Established World Ltd which part-owns the club, denied the premises was used for drug dealing.
He said they intended to deny the allegations "profusely". He added: "We have received no documentation to support the allegations which the police are making.
"We will be looking to strike this application out on the grounds that it has been blown out of all proportion - none of the allegations are true."
The closure notice was issued after more than 300 officers - some of them armed - raided the club in the early hours of Sunday.
The street was cordoned off with a ring of officers to prevent anyone trying to escape and the force helicopter was used to monitor developments from the air.
So many officers were used in the raid buses were laid on to transport them to the venue.
They erected airport-style scanners supplied by the Home Office to search revellers for drugs and firearms, even checking clubbers' shoes.
Police sniffer dogs were also used in the operation.
Officers recovered a variety of substances which have been sent away for analysis.
Twelve people were arrested on suspicion of offences, including possession of Class A drugs.
Three were men from Manchester, two were men from Leeds and six men and a woman were from Sheffield. All but two, who were wanted by police working on other cases, were released on police bail pending further inquiries. One of the men was taken to Manchester where he was wanted on warrant by police and has subsequently appeared in court. The second man appeared at Sheffield Magistrates Court on Monday where he was sentenced to 40 hours community service for assault.

oh well if they close it no doubt 2 or 3 illeagal places will spring up here there n everywhere

Originally posted by kirky
oh well if they close it no doubt 2 or 3 illeagal places will spring up here there n everywhere

More than likely. In fact I hope there is places like that if Niche shuts down.

Originally posted by spyro2000
More than likely. In fact I hope there is places like that if Niche shuts down.

we could do our own:thumbsup:

Originally posted by kirky
oh well if they close it no doubt 2 or 3 illeagal places will spring up here there n everywhere

Kirky lad your true there mate

Niche was a wicked place and it will be a shame to see the place close :(

Originally posted by malton_s5
Kirky lad your true there mate

Niche was a wicked place and it will be a shame to see the place close :(

i haven't been for about a year but i will miss the place.......had some top nights in there

I cant believe that after all that effort, only two people were charged!:confused:

Originally posted by kirky
i haven't been for about a year but i will miss the place.......had some top nights in there

I buzz off that place :banana:

Lets see what happens in the next 3 months

Originally posted by squidge00
I cant believe that after all that effort, only two people were charged!:confused:

its always the same.........so much violent crime going off these days and 300 old bill raid niche and two people get done.

bet the bloke that got 40 hours cso is gutted

:hihi: :hihi: :hihi: :hihi: :hihi:

Originally posted by NMD1
The operation undertaken by the police must have cost thousands of tax payers £'s. As I remember it costs approx £20,000 for an armed response unit, so god knows how much 300 officers cost. Im glad I no longer live in South Yorkshire and have paid for what appears to have been a pretty large scale waste of time. I would Imagine of the meager 12 people arrested several of them will be people who have complained about being held outside the club in freezing weather conditions for a ridiculous period of time.

However it is nice to know that SYP do have the resources available to undertake large scale operations, all they need now is a bit of direction.

Too right mate!

It seems all such bars that play "urban" music are being shut down in favour of posh s****y wine bars!

At the end of the day if the police succeed in closing Niche down all its clubbers have to go somewhere!

The two counts of trouble that happened which has been reported in the paper ar like 6-7 years apart!!!! Whereas you get your footy hooligans smashing pubs up week in week out costing police time and money no end and no one bats an eye lid!

As soon as someone farts in niche its national news!

I have been to niche for many years and will continue to do so for many years to come provided it stays open and i am not a chav and nor will i ever be a drug dealer/user!

Its just a witch hunt against the club and the clientel that visit the venue.

To Nev, Chris etc you have my support and i have contacted the paper, just let me know if you need anything else.

Im just posting up here comments I put on another thread about Niche.

"Like it or loath it, lets face it Drugs are a major part of our society, for some people its recreational, for others its a necessity. These drugs are taken all over the city, and if any club recons they are drug free then they are wrong. As I believe someone on the thread has allready stated people smuggle drugs into the clubs, they will hide them in their underwear, down their socks, in their bras and in other even more undesirable locations. Unless you are going to physically strip search and do an internal body cavity search you will not find every bit of contraband entering a club.

Closing Niche will not stop people taking drugs, sure fine it will stop them taking them in Niche (If that has been the case), but does that actually achieve anything?. Are the 500 or so people who go there at the weekend suddenly going to stay at home at the weekend and stop taking drugs???

Would it not make more sence to encourage sensible Drug taking in a monitored and controlled enivironment? seeing as the battle to stop Drug taking appears to be floundering.

Until the government actually takles the Drug problem head on at the sources of the problem it will continue to thrive, it is part of our culture. The operation carried out at Niche at the weekend cost £400,000 of tax payers money and resulted in 12 arrests, some of which were for public order offences. Surely that 400,000 could have been better spent targeting the suppliers of drugs, rather than the end users?

In closing, if hypothetically, Niche is the only club in Sheffield with a Drug problem closing it will only force its cliental to frequent other venues in Sheffield, thus spreading rather than containing the problem. Is this a genuine solution?"

Couldnt the £400,000 have been more constructively used by helping Niche and all of the other clubs in Sheffield combat the Drug problem by working with them rather than against them?

Originally posted by NMD1
Im just posting up here comments I put on another thread about Niche.

"Like it or loath it, lets face it Drugs are a major part of our society, for some people its recreational, for others its a necessity. These drugs are taken all over the city, and if any club recons they are drug free then they are wrong. As I believe someone on the thread has allready stated people smuggle drugs into the clubs, they will hide them in their underwear, down their socks, in their bras and in other even more undesirable locations. Unless you are going to physically strip search and do an internal body cavity search you will not find every bit of contraband entering a club.

Closing Niche will not stop people taking drugs, sure fine it will stop them taking them in Niche (If that has been the case), but does that actually achieve anything?. Are the 500 or so people who go there at the weekend suddenly going to stay at home at the weekend and stop taking drugs???

Would it not make more sence to encourage sensible Drug taking in a monitored and controlled enivironment? seeing as the battle to stop Drug taking appears to be floundering.

Until the government actually takles the Drug problem head on at the sources of the problem it will continue to thrive, it is part of our culture. The operation carried out at Niche at the weekend cost £400,000 of tax payers money and resulted in 12 arrests, some of which were for public order offences. Surely that 400,000 could have been better spent targeting the suppliers of drugs, rather than the end users?

In closing, if hypothetically, Niche is the only club in Sheffield with a Drug problem closing it will only force its cliental to frequent other venues in Sheffield, thus spreading rather than containing the problem. Is this a genuine solution?"

Couldnt the £400,000 have been more constructively used by helping Niche and all of the other clubs in Sheffield combat the Drug problem by working with them rather than against them?

spot....on:thumbsup:

just seen the "raid" on calender.........absolute farce........laughable:rolleyes:

See tonight's "Star" the police raided it Sunday morning. The police are looking to close it for 3 months. 12 arrested most of them already wanted by the police from Manchester and Leeds.

Mod: Threads Merged

Originally posted by desy
See tonight's "Star" the police raided it Sunday morning. The police are looking to close it for 3 months. 12 arrested most of them already wanted by the police from Manchester and Leeds.

yeah one was rushed into court this morning..he received 40 hours comunity service..obviously a villan:hihi: :hihi: :hihi: :hihi:

the streets are now so much safer:rolleyes:

Originally posted by desy
See tonight's "Star" the police raided it Sunday morning. The police are looking to close it for 3 months. 12 arrested most of them already wanted by the police from Manchester and Leeds.

Then hopefully Manchester and Leeds will be making a contribution to this policeman's outing ? ;)

Judging by the results the police were acting on some pretty useless 'information'- or perhaps the chief super thought he'd give some of his lads a handy little OT bonus, - just in time for Christmas ?

Its daft really, why wasnt there this kind of fuss when they raided Gatecrasher (then Republic) a couple of years ago?? Apparently they found a huge stash....

From what ive seen Niche have co-operated with the police that last couple of years i.e body searches, metal detectors, moving the entrance round the back of the club...

Well i had some great times there when i was younger, no regrets

Originally posted by NMD1
Im just posting up here comments I put on another thread about Niche.

"Like it or loath it, lets face it Drugs are a major part of our society, for some people its recreational, for others its a necessity. These drugs are taken all over the city, and if any club recons they are drug free then they are wrong. As I believe someone on the thread has allready stated people smuggle drugs into the clubs, they will hide them in their underwear, down their socks, in their bras and in other even more undesirable locations. Unless you are going to physically strip search and do an internal body cavity search you will not find every bit of contraband entering a club.

Closing Niche will not stop people taking drugs, sure fine it will stop them taking them in Niche (If that has been the case), but does that actually achieve anything?. Are the 500 or so people who go there at the weekend suddenly going to stay at home at the weekend and stop taking drugs???

Would it not make more sence to encourage sensible Drug taking in a monitored and controlled enivironment? seeing as the battle to stop Drug taking appears to be floundering.

Until the government actually takles the Drug problem head on at the sources of the problem it will continue to thrive, it is part of our culture. The operation carried out at Niche at the weekend cost £400,000 of tax payers money and resulted in 12 arrests, some of which were for public order offences. Surely that 400,000 could have been better spent targeting the suppliers of drugs, rather than the end users?

In closing, if hypothetically, Niche is the only club in Sheffield with a Drug problem closing it will only force its cliental to frequent other venues in Sheffield, thus spreading rather than containing the problem. Is this a genuine solution?"

Couldnt the £400,000 have been more constructively used by helping Niche and all of the other clubs in Sheffield combat the Drug problem by working with them rather than against them?

Wise beyond your years mate.

Spot on with every comment. I dont know what niche could do more to solve any problems that the police think it has!

Full airport scanners on the door and EVERY punter has a full body search and has to empty ALL pockets etc.

i would love to see the fuzz raid another nightclub in sheffield around xmas time and see what they find, that would be interesting.

Originally posted by Emilychee
Its daft really, why wasnt there this kind of fuss when they raided Gatecrasher (then Republic) a couple of years ago?? Apparently they found a huge stash....

From what ive seen Niche have co-operated with the police that last couple of years i.e body searches, metal detectors, moving the entrance round the back of the club...

Well i had some great times there when i was younger, no regrets

EXACTLY LUV!!!

i would love to see the fuzz raid another nightclub in sheffield around xmas time and see what they find, that would be interesting.

That would be interesting steve

Let hope that the doors reopen on the 12th December :thumbsup:

not a chance - they've got it shut and will use whatever they can to keep it shut.

12th of december!!! sum1 post the news lol

Originally posted by kirky
ive been to niche 100's of times and have never sen anyone doing crack

This is all such a joke. I use to go to Niche and yeah, not for the faint hearted, but worst it got (notably a while back now) was being asked if I wanted ought when trying to go to the toilets.

However, I use to also work in clubs around Sheff and the worst was 'The Forum', burnt spoons in the toilets (which staff were expected to use too-toilets that is and not spoons!), bouncers dealing, local criminals would just come behind the bar when they felt like it. Felt constantly intimidated by a certain element of the public, but that was seen as a hip, trendy and safe place.

Probably not much left on the floor as they would have been necked to save waste!! :hihi: :hihi:

Looks like that might be it for a while

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/4522796.stm

I guess the New Years Eve tickets will not now be valid ;)

what happened that night was pathetic. wasting tax payers money on raiding somewhere that it wasnt even necessary bring back the niche!

i might be wrong about this but i have heard rumours that there was approximatly £100,000 of drugs found on the premisis.

what happened that night was pathetic. wasting tax payers money on raiding somewhere that it wasnt even necessary bring back the niche!

it was raided for a reason you know, not just for the laugh!

i might be wrong about this but i have heard rumours that there was approximatly £100,000 of drugs found on the premisis.


if that was true, we'd have all heard about it in the papers and on the news by now