The Rainbow music venue in Digbeth is under attack from the most corrupt council in Britain. With a combination of a spurious noise complaint from a resident (living in a (not-very-nearby) new apartment block built without correct planning permission), and a half-baked complaint from non-local police about underage drinking - supported by an unelected quango calling itself Birmingham Safeguading Children Board - the Rainbow's licence is under threat.

Deatils here:

http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/democracy/Pages/GetDoc.aspx?DocumentID%3dSKLCQlOszm4%253d%26MimeType%3dapplication%2fpdf%26DocName%3dRainbow+Live+Music+Venue+review+160609.pdf

Neither "complaint" has any validity. Both are part of a wider policy of Birmingham City Council that seeks to change the Digbeth area of the city. Digbeth, just east of the centre of Birmingham, has many music venues, including Custard Factory, Barfly, Rainbow and several small pub venues. The majority of the promoters of live music at these venues are independent promoters.

But, Digbeth is also a rundown area with many vacant plots that are very attractive to property developers. Some (very ugly) blocks of flats have already been built in the area. It is not in the interests of these property developers to have top-class music venues when they would much prefer groteqsue over-priced wine bars. Birmingham City Council, devoid of any concept of integrity, and peopled by interested parties, will bend over readily whenever the developers demand action.

Birmingham City Council, via a combination of unelected unaccountable quangos and single-policy police departments, is systematically removing live music from Digbeth.

If you are going to the brilliant Supersonic festival this year, enjoy it because it may not be the same in future years.