Published: Wednesday, 7th July, 2010 12:49pm

Club caught selling booze to underage drinkers

by Iain Robertson

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AN Alloa night spot found to be serving booze to underage revellers has been given a warning by Clackmannanshire's Licensing Board.

Undercover police officers visited Chalmers nightclub in Bank Street last year as part of an initiative to catch those selling alcohol to young people under 18.

Chief Inspector Bob Hutchison told last week's meeting of the licensing board that five teenage girls below the legal drinking age, one of whom was under 16, were identified on the premises in December 2009.

After listening to all the evidence, the board adjourned for a short time before deciding to issue a written warning to the owners.

The police recognised that in the period since these incidents took place there had been very few relating to these premises which had caused any concern, but supported the call for a written warning.

Inspector Hutchison said the club had failed in its duty to protect youngsters by not properly checking ID - and added the establishment has long held the unenviable reputation as a place younger teenagers could purchase alcohol far too easily.

Andrew Henderson, from Chalmers, admitted something had clearly gone wrong on the evening in question, but insisted immediate action was taken in the aftermath to rectify the problem in the form of staff training, and he claimed he was confident there would be no repeat.

Club owners also held their hands up to the fact that some underagers do gain access through their outside area but they pledged to work closely with all the relevant bodies to tighten up.

Two members of staff who sold alcohol to the girls in December were given a warning by police, while two unlicensed door staff working on the night of the sting no longer work at Chalmers.

The club now recruits bouncers from a firm who supply fully licensed workers.