From the https://www.kentlive.news By Lauren MacDougall, 30 August 2019.

Gallery nightclub will close following fatal stabbing of Andre Bent in Maidstone High Street.

Trevor Modell, the owner of the club, is selling the business following the death of Andre Bent over the Bank Holiday weekend.

"Gallery" nightclub will close its doors after a man was stabbed to death in Maidstone High Street.

Trevor Modell, the owner of the club, has told BBC South East he is selling the business following the death of Andre Bent, 21, over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The student died during a mass brawl in the early hours of Sunday (August 25).

Four others were injured in the chaos which has seen five men from London arrested by officers investigating his death.

Four of the men have been charged with violent disorder while the fifth has been bailed.

The violence, which was captured in shocking footage viewed thousands of times on social media, occurred after MoStack, real name Montell Daley, appeared at the nightclub.

In a private statement to staff, seen by KentLive on social media, Mr Modell's son Devon said: "Following the events of last weekend and social media campaign since we have decided to close to club under current ownership."

He said it is hoped a new buyer will be found quickly and that staff at the club will be kept on by the new management.

In a previous statement the nightclub claimed the brawl "did not start inside or directly outside Gallery" and that "everyone" was searched on entry.

The club's latest announcement follows a petition vowing to shut Gallery down under its current management which has amassed thousands of signatures.

It also comes after police released a CCTV image in connection with the incident.

Above photo August 2019 showing forensics outside the nightclub. Picture: Jim Bennett.

Officers today have also vowed to increase patrols in the centre of Maidstone this weekend following the fatal stabbing.

The force says an increased presence will come with pop up metal detectors, known as knife arches, which will be used in key locations.

Leaflets will also be handed out which will contain appeals for more information following Mr Bent's death.

District commander, Ch Insp Ray Quiller said police will be keen for people to speak to them.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Tom Pyman, 6 September 2019.

Police call for review of Gallery nightclub licence after Andre Bent 'murder'.

Police have called for a review of a nightclub's licence in the wake of a suspected murder after a gig at the venue.

Andre Bent, 21, was fatally stabbed in Jubilee Square, Maidstone following a well-attended performance by rapper MoStack at the Gallery in Bank Street last month.

Initially, club director Trevor Modell insisted everyone in attendance was searched at the event on August 24, before later admitting in an interview with BBC South East that staff only actually checked "a few bags".

Mr Modell announced last week he was planning to close the venue and sell up following a huge backlash on social media, in which more than 5,000 people have demanded it shut for good.

Now a notice has been posted outside the Gallery, revealing that Maidstone Borough Council has received an application to review its premises licence, on the grounds of "serious crime".

The applicant is understood to be Kent Police after an email exchange between a councillor and a member of the town hall's legal team was shared with KentOnline.

It read:- "The police have called a Summary Review of the premises licence under Section 53A of the 2003 Act.

"Responsible authorities and other persons have 10 working days from today to make any representation they would wish the Licensing Authority to consider on the full review of the premises licence, which must take place within 28 days of the police making the application (which they did late [Wednesday] afternoon)."

A Kent Police spokeswoman said: "We can confirm an application has been made to review the licence of Gallery nightclub in Maidstone.

"Until a decision has been made, it would be inappropriate to comment further."

A 16-year-old boy accused of Mr Bent's murder, along with four others charged with violent disorder, will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on September 24, when pleas are expected to be taken.

Maidstone Borough Council has been approached for comment.

From the https://www.kentlive.news By Andy Robinson, 2 October 2019.

Gallery nightclub in Maidstone advertises 'biggest party of the year' after licence is reinstated.

The Halloween event will be the first time the Bank Street club opens since its licence was reviewed after the Andre Bent stabbing.

Gallery nightclub in Maidstone has had its licence reinstated after it was brought in for review days after a student was stabbed to death.

The Bank Street nightclub's premises licence was suspended by Maidstone Borough Council on September 6.

This interim step was deemed necessary by the council pending a full review after Kent Police made an application for the club to temporarily close its doors.

The decision came less than a fortnight after Andre Bent, 21, was fatally stabbed in the chest during a mass brawl in Jubilee Square.

A 16-year-old boy from the Hornsey area of north London was charged with Andre's murder last month as part of an ongoing investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

It happened after rapper MoStack, real name Montell Daley, performed at Gallery on the night of August 24.

Two more arrests were made in connection with the incident yesterday (October 1).

They were charged with violent disorder.

This brought the arrest total relating to the disturbance to 13.

Andre Bent was stabbed to death in Maidstone.

Gallery came under heavy criticism in the wake of the incident, forcing owner Trevor Modell to tell BBC South East that he was putting the club up for sale.

But now, according to the nightclub's Facebook page, its licence has been reinstated.

A comment posted by the club's page at 10pm yesterday read: "Our license was reinstated yesterday and this is the next time we are open."

This has since been confirmed by Maidstone Borough Council.

A hearing on September 30 decided a premises license would be granted to Gallery with modified conditions.

The next time the club opens will be a special Halloween event on October 26, a night being advertised as "the biggest party of the year".

Ticket prices range from £5 or VIP costing as much as £20 plus a booking fee.

Reacting to the news of Gallery's reopening, the Bent family reportedly have "no problems with the licence being reinstated as long as the rules of the licence are adhered to".

A message circulated on social media and seen by Kent Live said: "Just to let you know that I know that the Gallery have got their licence back.

"I have spoken with the owner and I have looked into all of the reasons it was reinstated.

"He actually did not break any laws as far as a 16 year old being in the club because he was part of an act.

"The not being searched on the door was his staff not doing the job they were required to do.

"I have had a few talks with the owner and after considering all the facts in fairness to all, my family have no problems with the license being reinstated as long as the rules of the license are adhered to.

"The staff at the nightclub have nothing whatsoever to do with any of this as they are just people trying to go to work and doing a job.

"I would appreciate it if you could make it known to all the people that follow you that we are okay with the Gallery having its license back now that all the facts are in.

"I would also like to add that we do not condone bullying or harassment or violence in any way or form.

"We really appreciate the support we have had from you and the people of Maidstone and although we have lost Andre, we have to be fair and follow the truth and the facts.

"There are many victims in this, albeit we are the biggest victims. And we don’t want any more hurt to come out of this. Once again thank you so much for your support."