Proj3kt nightclub closure confirmed

A controversial East Lancashire nightclub will now remain closed permanently after its owners lost their appeal over the revocation of its premises licence.

Proj3kt in Hammerton Street, Burnley, will be unable to reopen after the decision by a District Judge sitting at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court this week.

The late-night venue is currently subject to a closure order issued last month by Blackburn Magistrates’ Court over crime and disorder in and around the club.

In February last year Burnley Council’s Licensing Act 2003 Sub Committee revoked the premises licence for Proj3kt.

The club remained open pending the full appeal hearing but was closed on December 12 at the request of the police because of further problems.

This was a followed by a second premises licence revocation by the councillors on January 15.

Today’s appeal by club owners Jason or Rebecca McQuoid was against the original February revocation.

The decision to dismiss the appeal has been welcomed by East Lancashire’s police licensing sergeant Steve Dundon, Cllr Anne Kelly who chaired the original hearing and Cllr Gemma Haigh who chaired the  January sub-committee meeting.

The McQuoids did not attend today’s hearing.

An application was made by legal counsel representing Burnley Council to proceed in their absence.

The District Judge stated that the appellants knew about the hearing but failed to turn up,

The appeal was rejected and the original February decision was upheld so the licence remains revoked permanently.

 Sgt Dundon said: “I welcome the Magistrates’ Court decision to permanently close Proj3kt nightclub.

“This is a vital step in ensuring Burnley town centre remains a safe environment for all.

“Despite the license being revoked in February 2025, management failed to implement any meaningful safety improvements during the appeal process.

“This negligence resulted in a December 2025 closure order following dozens of reports of violent crime, fire safety breaches, and the unchallenged entry of 17-year-olds.

“The persistent failure of Jason and Rebecca McQuoid to uphold licensing objectives, culminating in serious assaults and large-scale public disorder, left us with no choice but to take this action to protect the public.

“The police aim to work with and support all licensed premises operators, but where there are significant failings that put the safety of customers at risk, we will not hesitate to seek reviews of premises licences.”

Cllr Kelly said: “I am very pleased that the court  has upheld out decision and that an unsafe night club is finally closed.”

Cllr Haigh said: “I am pleased that the court has upheld the decision of the licensing committee.

“The sheer amount of violence, disorder and criminal activity around these premises clearly breached the licensing objectives.

“Premises License Holders across the town have worked with authorities to ensure a safe, compliant night life.

“Proj3kt undermined this work and I believe Burnley’s nightlife will be a safer place as a result of their closure.”

Evidence at previous hearings included that the club had become a magnet for persistent crime and disorder in and outside the premises including violence and serving under-age customers.

In March 2024, the Mode Nightclub – also in Hammerton Street, Burnley – operated by Rebecca and Jason McQuoid, had its premises licence revoked.

The McQuoids have been approached for comment.