A Liverpool city centre bar where Sam Cook was murdered has seen its license revoked.
Last month’s killing of the 21-year-old at Empire prompted the decision by council officials at a regulatory hearing on Monday afternoon.
The Seel Street venue had found itself in limbo as its operating license was temporarily put on hold in the wake of the popular Crosby man’s death.
Police argued to Liverpool City Council’s licensing and gambling sub-committee that Empire had become a lightning rod where gangs were free to coverge.
It was the second time this year that its management had been brought before the council following a fight which saw bar stools thrown across a dancefloor.
An improved CCTV and serving drinks in plastic containers was imposed as part of Empire retaining its license after the brawl that had broken out in June.
But Mr Cook’s untimely death while celebrating his birthday on October 21 left the council with no other option than to revoke its license.
Management of the bar have the option to appeal the decision within 21 days.
Police are still looking for the person responsible for Mr Cook’s murder and are urgently searching for Speke man Carl Madigan, 22, in connection with their enquiries.
A total of six men and two women have previously been detained as part of the Merseyside Police investigation.