ALCOHOL-related disorder at a Hereford nightclub has been virtually wiped out, bosses say.

The Jailhouse was brought before a Herefordshire Council licensing committee earlier this year following more than 40 instances of disorder and drug use at or near the Gaol Street club.

The worst was in August when four young men were taken to hospital suffering the effects of what police believed to be ketamin.

As a result the underground music venue changed its door team and put in place a number of prevention steps such as using a drug search dog.

The matter came back before the committee last week for a progress report - and police confirmed alcohol-related disorder had “virtually dropped to zero” since the measures were brought in.

Drug concern

Officers did, however, raise concerns at the amount of drugs found on some of those trying to enter the club.

The club’s designated premises supervisor, Anthony Murphy, said during the two - onth period when the Jailhouse was asked to comply with the strict conditions a total of 17 people were arrested for trying to enter the venue with illegal substances.

“The issues of disorder and drug use affect all venues in town and we believe that we have now implemented the strictest and most vigilant door policy in Hereford,” Mr Murphy told the regulatory sub-committee.

“Many of our customers, old and new, tell us how safe they feel in the Jailhouse, especially compared to other venues where harassment and violence influence many a night out.”

The committee added a number of conditions to its licence including the mandatory searching of everyone who enters the club when alcohol is being sold.

Drug awareness training must be given to all staff while the personal licence holder must be on the premises when alcohol is on sale.

A drug search dog and handler from a private security firm will be on duty four times a month for six months.

Following the hearing, Herefordshire police licensing officer Jim Mooney said: “The decision to apply these conditions gives a clear message to those who operate late night venues."