Bolton club owners reassure public despite asbestos enquiry
The owners of a night club in Bolton, Lancashire have issued reassurances to members of the public that their safety is a priority, following a health and safety enquiry relating to asbestos.
The co-owner of Level Nightclub, Charles McGrath, had recently pleaded guilty to a breach of health and safety regarding the management and removal of asbestos uncovered during restoration work at the venue. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also charged the company with the same three offences at Bury Magistrates Court.
Speaking to The Bolton News, McGrath said that the club had been closed at the time of the offences, and that the nightclub owners regard health and safety matters very seriously. The company and its owners are waiting for sentencing to take place in August at Bury Magistrates Court.
In July 2015, McGrath and the co-owner of the club, Sam Zegrour, spent around £700,000 on a refurbishment of the club's premises. After being closed for work for four months, the club reopened to the public. The offences took place in August during the renovation. The company, UK Night Life Ltd, and McGrath, were accused of not protecting people from risks to health and safety, not reducing the spread of the asbestos, and not risk assessing the asbestos and its removal.
Dealing with asbestos generally requires an action plan, which takes into account the risks of exposure to the substance, the safe removal (which will require the use of PPE) and protecting the public from exposure.