United Kingdom - Police have failed in a bid to stop this year's Bulldog Bash.
Warwickshire Police had ordered a review under the Licensing Act of a 10-year licence granted to the rally - planned for August 6-9 at Long Marston Airfield in Warwickshire - by Stratford District Council in 2008.
But the Council has said the July 21 hearing will be too late to halt this year's event whatever the outcome. Even if the licence is repealed the Hells Angels will have 21 days from being notified before it comes into effect, the Council says – by which time the rally will have ended.
Police were determined to stop the event taking place following a mass brawl between Hells Angels and Outlaws at Birmingham International Airport last January and the shooting dead of Hells Angel Gerry Tobin as he returned from the rally in 2007. Warwickshire Assistant Chief Constable Bill Holland had branded both clubs organised crime groups – a claim each denies - and said there was a risk to public safety from revenge attacks if the rally went ahead.
Staffordshire District Council's Public Protection Manager, Geoff Turton, said: "If the council decide to repeal on the Bulldog Bash licence, it won't kick in until 21 days from the date we give them the notification in writing. So the worst case scenario is we print it out and hand it to them on the day of the hearing and it comes into effect after the event has finished."
A Bulldog Bash spokesman said: "This year's show will definitely go ahead." Warwickshire Police's ACC Holland said: "We will continue to explore all possible opportunities to prevent Bulldog Bash taking place this year and in the future.
"Warwickshire Police will do all within its power to protect communities from harm, including limiting opportunities for organised crime groups to fundraise within the county."
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