A TEENAGE clubber was left virtually comatose after allegedly being given a date-rape drug.
The 17-year-old girl was taken to Dewsbury District Hospital in a serious condition after drinking a poisonous substance – possibly GHB – at the Mungo nightclub in Batley.
Based on the Glasgow coma scale, which rates a patient’s level of consciousness from one to 15, it is understood the girl was given a score of four.
The lowest possible score is three, which indicates a patient is in a deep coma or dead.
The girl, from Tingley, has since made a full recovery.
A 24-year-old, of York, who was at the Bradford Road club as a guest DJ, has been arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance.
Police have called for an urgent review of the club’s licence.
Sgt John McFadzean, licensing officer for Kirklees, said: “Obviously, given the serious nature of the allegations, we felt it was necessary to ensure the club is being run properly.”
The allegations revolve around the club’s relaunch night on January 22 after it had been closed over the Christmas period.
Club boss Jason Hardy said there had been no report to club staff on the night about the date-rape drug claim.
He said he was “gutted” about the allegations.
“It’s my livelihood on the line,” he added.
Mr Hardy said the club had a strict policy of checking customers’ identification.
He believes the girl either had fake ID or climbed over a rear wall to get in through the smoking area.
He said the club cracked down hard on anyone caught smuggling drugs in.
“I’m looking forward to the review,” he said.
“I think we’re doing everything we can. I’ll always work with licensing and the police.”
Kirklees Council’s licensing panel has agreed a series of interim conditions the club must adhere to until the review takes place.
Licensing chief Cath Walter said Mr Hardy had suggested a series of measures himself.
These included the immediate suspension of the club manager who was on duty that night, while a full investigation is carried out.
Guest DJs will have to provide references and a CCTV camera is to be installed covering the DJ booth.
No liquid of any sort will be allowed to be brought into the club.
Posters will be put up to tell customers to look after their bags and mobile phones.
All customers will have to wear bracelets provided on the door indicating they have been age-verified.
Metal detectors will be used on the door to check clubbers and full searches will be carried out.
Mr Hardy said he had installed razor wire on the rear wall to stop people climbing over.
The review will take place within 28 days.
The arrested man is on bail pending further enquiries.
