AN urgent review has been ordered into the operating licence of a bar where a man died after an alleged assault last week.

Bolton Council is to undertake an ‘expedited review’ of the licence of The Luxe Lounge, on Bradshawgate, saying there had been an ‘incident of serious crime’ associated with the premises.

On Thursday, September 2, police launched a murder investigation after father-of-two Robert Smethurst, 36 was found unconscious in the bar and later died from his injuries.

Officers attended the late night bar in Bradshawgate in the town centre at around 1.30am.

Police officers and paramedics treated Mr Smethurst at the scene before he was taken to hospital, where he later died.

At the time Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the 36-year-old had allegedly been assaulted.

Robert Owen Greenhalgh, 31, of no fixed address has subsequently been charged with the murder of Mr Smethurst.

A provisional trial date has been set for February 28, 2022.

Notices posted outside Luxe Lounge on Wednesday, September 8, gave details of the urgent licensing review.

The notice states: “Notice is given that an application has been made to Bolton Council for an expedited review of the premises licence of Luxe Lounge, Bradshawgate, Bolton.

“The grounds for the review are prevention of serious crime and disorder.

“The review has been requested following an incident of serious crime at the premises.”

Representations related to the review can be sent to Bolton Council until Friday, September 17.

The council added that a full hearing would then take place at ‘a date to be confirmed’.

In a Facebook post on September 3 the Luxe Lounge’s account, stated: “In what has been a difficult week for many we have decided it’s best we stay closed this weekend give us some time to reflect.

“We’re still helping the police with everything we’ve got.”