Kids found drunk, unconscious and high on floor by pub after 15th birthday party

Sonny’s Bar and Bentley’s nightclub has been stripped of its booze license for three months after children were found drunk on pavements outside (Picture: Wales News)

A seaside pub has been stripped of its alcohol licence for three months after children were found drunk and passed out on pavements outside.

Sonny’s Bar and Bentley’s nightclub was reported to authorities after being blighted by a series of fights, underage drinking and drug-taking.

Police warned staff against hosting underage discos in August – but one month later a 15th birthday party was held.

A report by North Wales Police found one 13-year-old needed help from paramedics for getting ‘unconsciously drunk’ at the bash.

Inspector Kevin Smith said there were no parents at the time and vulnerable children lay drunk on the pavement outside.

The report to the council said there were also concerns that children had been taking cocaine and ketamine at the pub in Towyn, North Wales.

It found only manager John Dunne and another worker were staffing the party – and no legal guardians were in attendance.

Premises licence holder Tania Kendrick was on site at the time and CCTV footage showed she was aware of the party while children entered through the back door.

North Wales Police wrote to Conwy Council requesting that it revokes the licence- including Bentley’s nightclub on the first floor.

Inspector Smith said: ‘When North Wales Police arrived, it was clarified that three children were in an excessively drunk state and that there was a belief that more children had been drinking.

‘There was concern that children may have also taken cocaine and ketamine.

‘It was estimated that there were 50 to 60 children, and due to the number of children in the proximity of the premises, additional police units were requested, and force incident management were made aware that a dispersal order may be required to remove the children from the area.

‘Of the three children who were treated by the ambulance service at the scene, two were taken to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.’

Following the report, a spokesperson for the pub said it was a ‘completely dry’ party – but alcohol was ‘smuggled’ in.

In a statement, they said: ‘The party was held for a small number of teenagers and as we insisted several adults were in attendance too, this was in addition to our manager, DPS (designated premises supervisor) and bar staff.

‘As all would expect, the party was a completely dry party, meaning the bar was not open. Unlike many venues running similar private events, even adults were not permitted a single alcoholic drink.

‘In addition, so that no gatecrashers would attend and there was no confusion for the general public as to whether we had opened early we kept our front door closed for general admittance and used our rear entrance for this private event, which is a safe, well illuminated entrance, covered by CCTV.

‘Regrettably, a large number of gatecrashers showed up while the party was going on, claiming they had been invited and unfortunately two people who had been on site for a total of 20 minutes, one of whom tried to smuggle in a bottle of vodka which had been confiscated along with a small number of alcoholic items from other attendees.

‘We do not have the authority to body search children, nor would we ever do so. Unfortunately two of these individuals became ill very suddenly. The reasons why are unknown to all but the children in question.

‘However we can categorically state that they were not served anything alcoholic whilst on our premises.’

Conwy Council has now suspended the licence for three months – and the designated premises supervisor has been removed.

Emma Priestley, owner of owners EJP Entertainment, apologised and said she had been let down by a former senior member of staff.