Liverpool's State nightclub earmarked for casino

Feb 25 2009 By Barry Turnbull, Liverpool Daily Post

A GLITZY Monte Carlo-style casino could rejuvenate the fortunes of Liverpool’s former State ballroom. City bar boss Peter Lee wants to attract an up-market clientele to the venue that closed in the mid-90s, after the then nightclub saw a spate of violent incidents including a shooting and firebombings.

He has ripped out the interior and restored ornate decorations and marbling at the Grade II listed venue originally designed by W Aubrey Smith, architect of the Royal Liver Building.

Magistrates threw out his original application for a licence last year, after opposition from city rivals, but now he is gambling on landing an appeal.

The owner of the Metro bar says his new proposals for a radically different type of gaming house will invalidate previous objections.

The renovated venue will be over- 21s only, have a strict dress code and other attractions such as a fine dining restaurant.