POLICE have called for a licence review of a social club after complaints about antisocial behaviour and noise.
In applying to the Isle of Wight Council’s licensing sub-committee for the review, police said they believed Sandown Social Club, in York Road, had failed to operate consistently in accordance with its rules or licence conditions as a members’ club.
According to the application, there was no temporary event notice in place to authorise a function on April 13.
Licensing officer Sgt Mark Voller has written: "It is reported about 60 persons, many being under 18, were actually admitted to the function, most of whom were not members or guests of a member.
"A number of other unruly youths, unknown to the organisers, turned up at the event and some, but not all, of these were denied admission."
It is reported alcohol was being served at the first-floor bar and some of the young people present were drunk.
There were reports of alcohol-related disorder breaking out inside the club, in the immediate vicinity, and in the town generally.
While club staff applied an ink stamp to the hand of those believed to be under 18, it is claimed young people were able to remove it in order to be served alcohol.
When officers visited the club on April 20, they noticed a large chalkboard sign outside the premises which read 'non-members welcome.’
Police also highlight a complaint in 2009 when there was an advertisement displayed at the premises stating 'non-members welcome’, and an occasion in 2010 when licensing officers in plain clothes were told they could gain entry for a small charge.
In an email to the council's licensing section, club secretary Lynda Hill said they had abandoned the idea of private parties in the upstairs bar. She also detailed the measures in place to address the concerns.
She said: "We have tried to do all that is needed, but will accept any comments or advice that can help us.
The application will be heard at County Hall on June 18 at 9.30am.
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk