Blackpool Tache: Safest club of all!

Rock venue The Tache has had its licence suspended for 14 daysafter bosses were accused of putting public safety at risk.

The police also told a Blackpool licensing panel there had been anumber of assaults at the Cookson Street venue.

But many regulars at The Tache have responded with astonishment.

They have described the venue as "one of the friendliest, safestclubs" which for some is "the only place I actually feel safe intown".

Another regular to have posted a comment on The Gazette's websiteadded: "There is hardly ever any violence."

Neil Hunter, of rock band Hooker which has performed as The Tache,compared it to venues in America in terms of musical influence.

He said: "In the rock community it is as famous as The Tower. TheTache is indeed legendary, up with London's Marquee, New York'sC.B.G.C.'s and Los Angeles' Cathouse.

"Why? Because it delivers what it is.

"Its appearance and interior decor give way to authenticity for aclub devoted to rock 'n' roll, unlike the mass promotion of socalled rock cafes."

The club's owner Ronald Blunden said he had been moved by theamount of support for the venue.

The Tache faces an uncertain future because it is within the TalbotGateway redevelopment area and faces demolition next year.

He said: "I was moved to tears when I saw the comments on TheGazette's website.

"I have run the venue for 25 years now and have known many of thekids who come to The Tache for years, and it is like one bigfamily. They are loyal, good kids.

"I've seen youngsters go off to university and come back as doctorsand solicitors.

"It's really great to see this kind of support.

"It's true that it is one of the safest clubs in Blackpool.

"Now and again we get bobbies on the beat passing and they say thatif everywhere in town was like The Tache, their job would be easy."

Mr Blunden said he was in talks to transfer The Tache to anothervenue in Blackpool if the council goes ahead with a compulsorypurchase order for the current building.

He added that he was also considering whether or not to appealagainst the council's closure order.

He has 21 days from the date of last Friday's hearing in which tomake a challenge, and can remain open pending an appeal.

A panel of councillors was told that The Tache had failed tomaintain some electrical installations, carpets were "encrustedwith filth" and there was "inadequate" protection of electricalterminals.

>> Blackpool nightclub ordered to close

Have you been in the Tache? How does it compare to other Blackpoolnightclubs? Leave your thoughts below.