Liverpool gay club denies allegations of violence and underage sex

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A gay club in Liverpool’s city centre has denied police claims of violence, disorder and indecency.

Police want to temporarily close Pink nightclub after almost 40 alleged incidents in just 12 months, including a claim that two girls aged 15 and 16 have repeatedly performed sex acts on bouncers in order to gain entry.

Several alleged assaults on women have also been reported, with one needing stitches after being beaten with a bottle, and other being punched in the face by a man in the toilets.

Pink’s owners are to appear before a full licensing hearing but Merseyside police want to temporarily close it down while they investigate the catalogue of alleged incidents.

However, co-proprietors David O’Connor and Jamie Motlagh claim police are singling out Pink as it is the only gay club on Victoria Street.

Their solicitor Brian Morris told the Liverpool Echo: “Many incidents happened as much in Victoria Street as in the club itself.

“As to those incidents inside, pushing and shoving among people drinking is normal. Pink has always co-operated fully with the police.”

He dismissed reports of the teenage girls performing sex acts on bouncers, saying they were trying to impress their friends.

Liverpool councillors are currently debating what action to take over the club.

Commenting on the story on the newspaper’s website, a number of readers expressed concerns that the club was not safe for gays and lesbians.

One wrote: “Anyone who’s anyone and goes out on the Liverpool gay scene will tell you that this bar is full of trouble and a dangerous place to be. I think its the worst gay place in Liverpool and the fact they even call it a gay bar is a joke.”

Another wrote: “As a gay woman this bar has a cheek to say it is gay. Myself and many of my gay friends feel very uncomfortable going in there as we get pestered by men who go in ‘for a laugh’ and wont take no for an answer. All the other gay bars in the area are all decent places and trouble-free.”

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