A new seafront nightclub is asking permission to host live music events for young teenagers – and to serve alcohol at them.
Horizon, which opens later this month in the venue previously known as Shooshh, has applied for a variation to its alcohol licence so booze can be served at private 14+ events.
The alcohol would only be served in a room which those aged 18 and over could get access to, and drinks wouldn’t be able to be taken out of it.
And wristbands would be used so security staff could identify the different age groups.
A spokesperson for Horizon said: “Horizon (much like a large amount of venues across the country) applies for a variety of licenses whilst in close communication with all local authorities.
“The license point mentioned means that the venue can house under-18 events on a private hire basis – with a strict ID process in place much like all venues under the licensing act to ensure there is a controlled area where over 18s can legally purchase alcohol.
“Alcohol is not allowed to leave this controlled area, nor can under 18s access this area.”
The application for the Kings Road Arches club says: “The application is to ensure that the site may host private/14+ events when adults will also be present and alcohol served, and under 18 events for educational establishments when adults may also be present.
“Discussions have been undertaken with the police and licensing Aauthority regarding the need to clarify such offers, and the applicant is grateful for the advice and assistance received in this respect.”
It’s asked for the following conditions to be added to its alcohol licence:
1. A 14+ night is a live music show night terminating by 22:00. A private booking is a pre booked event during which no member of the public will be admitted to the premises. The police and licensing section of the council will be given at least 10 clear working days written notice of the 14+ night or private booking.
2. Neither a 14+ night nor a private booking will be regarded as an Under 18 Event and Condition 36 of Annex 2 will not apply.
3. Alcohol may only be served at a 14+ night or private booking to persons aged 18 or over wearing a wrist band at a bar in a separate designated adult only room (room 2) to which under 18s are not admitted.
SIA door security will be on duty to prevent under 18s entering, or alcohol leaving, room 2.
No customer over the age of 17 should be allowed into the premises unless a member of staff or the event is exclusively for an educational establishment. All customers entering should have proof of age.
No no no…it has to be wrong to encourage children to drink alcohol. Thus is just a money- making ploy by this club- they don’t care about the gavoc this can potentially cause to young, developing youngsters and their families. Let’s hope the licensing authorities see sense and face their responsibilities to our young people and their families
“Alcohol may only be served at a 14+ night or private booking to persons aged 18 or over wearing a wrist band at a bar in a separate designated adult only room (room 2) to which under 18s are not admitted.”
Not sure how that encourages children to drink alcohol. Children go to pubs with adults & and attend weddings and other social events where alcohol is being consumed, what’s the difference here?
I’m sure you are a responsible club
Good luck with this
Angela Bar and Club
Worthing
Read the article again as you clearly missed all the restrictions that would be placed on them.
They clearly do care about young people by offering them a place to go and meet their friends and be entertained as well as voluntarily offering up and accepting restrictions on the sale of alcohol.
Teens aren’t being encouraged to drink here. There are plenty of places – including at home – for them to do that. Here it is strictly regulated.
They simply want to make money at the expense of young peoples health. Shameful!!!
If you decide to allow this, take a long hard look in the mirror and ask yourself (honestly) would you allow a 14 year old member of your family to go to this clud and drink alcohol ?
No matter how many restrictions they dream up to try and convince you all is well, it isn’t.
Which part of alcohol won’t sold to under 18’s nor will they even be allowed in the room where alcohol is sold are you struggling to understand?
Gullible!!
A beautiful recipe for disaster!!
One room full of 18yr+ getting drunk.
Another room full of 14yr olds.
Who in their right mind would let their 24 yr old in a place like that??
Someone called Terry Ball by the sounds of it
Definitely a cynical money making concern. Why should it be assumed that teenagers need alcohol to enjoy themselves when with friends? Are they really so bored (and boring) that they need booze when they meet?
As for their caring about young people, it’s a nightclub, for heaven’s sake, not a youth club.
Here’s a question for you. Is there a reason that a young person night club cannot exist?