Decision awaited after serious allegations at town-centre venue
Licensing authorities in Middlesbrough are preparing to make a determination over the future of a town-centre nightclub after police reported a range of safeguarding concerns, including that underage girls were served alcohol and one girl under 16 was allegedly raped after attending the venue.
The premises, The Lounge Afrique on Corporation Road, had its licence suspended following the incident earlier this year. Cleveland Police informed the council of multiple reports linked to the bar across the past two years, and asked for the licence to remain suspended until the operator can demonstrate improvements.
In a submission to the council, police highlighted a catalogue of issues reported to officers. Those included:
- Alleged underage admission and service of alcoholic drinks.
- Reports of suspected drink-spiking and sexual assault, one of which prompted a separate rape investigation.
- Complaints that the venue was being used as a brothel, and accounts of physical assaults on women.
- Concerns that door staff dismissed or laughed off warnings from patrons, according to a police report.
Council licensing, public health and children’s services officers have expressed serious misgivings about the management of the club. Fiona Helyer, the council’s principal public protection officer for licensing, told the committee she had “grave concerns” following a visit in 2024 that identified a room containing two double beds within the premises.
“We have grave concerns about the management of the premises,”
Cleveland Police’s legal representative said the club had at times failed to meet licensing obligations, including delays in providing CCTV. Police highlighted that officers were last at the venue in October 2024, and reiterated their recommendation that the licence remain suspended until proposed measures are fully in place and operating effectively.
The most recent allegation is subject to an active investigation by Cleveland Police. The force has not provided further comment on operational matters while enquiries continue.
Licence-holder outlines plan of action
The licence-holder, Percy Quarcoo, told the committee he had commissioned a comprehensive review of the business following the reports and described the allegations as “deeply distressing”. He says a range of new measures will be introduced, including:
- a new security team and the appointment of a safeguarding lead;
- enhanced staff training and strengthened age-verification procedures;
- new internal procedures and audits, and Mr Quarcoo taking on the role of premises supervisor himself.
While the operator asserts these steps will place “customer safety at the centre of everything we do”, council and police representatives have said they require evidence that the measures are fully embedded before restoring the venue’s licence.
What’s at stake for Middlesbrough’s night-time economy
The committee will weigh public protection and children’s services concerns against the operator’s promises when it considers whether to revoke the licence permanently or impose conditions, or to allow a return to trade once improvements are verified. The decision has implications for public confidence in town-centre venues and for how licensing authorities enforce safeguarding standards in Middlesbrough’s night-time economy.
| Issue raised | Reported to council/police |
|---|---|
| Underage admission and alcohol service | Yes |
| Suspected drink-spiking | Yes |
| Allegations of sexual assault / rape | Yes |
| Premises management concerns (e.g. rooms, staff response) | Yes |
The licensing committee’s ruling will be closely watched by residents, businesses and safety campaigners across Middlesbrough. For now, the club’s licence remains suspended while the council considers whether immediate revocation or further conditions are necessary to protect vulnerable people and uphold licensing objectives.
Any member of the public with concerns about this or similar premises is advised to contact Cleveland Police or Middlesbrough Council’s licensing team. The ongoing criminal investigation means detailed operational comment is limited at this stage.
