The owner of the
Darling Harbour nightclub where five teenagers were arrested on
Wednesday night has defended his management of the under-age
dance party, and ruled out the possibility of cancelling other
events.
Simon Page, along
with more than 30 other security staff and youth workers, was
supervising the alcohol-free Submission party, which was
promoted with the slogan "This school holidays it's time to go
wild".
Five boys were
arrested outside the venue and three seriously intoxicated girls
were taken to hospital by ambulance, including one 14-year-old,
despite the event being advertised as for those aged 15 to 17
only.
"Ninety-nine per
cent of people there had good clean fun," said Mr Page. "Why
should we let a few bad eggs ruin it for everyone?"
Security staff
were checking bags and screening the 2000 partygoers with metal
detectors, although several drunk teenagers were found inside.
Two boys, aged 15
and 17, were arrested for drug offences relating to cannabis and
ecstasy outside the venue by police conducting a sniffer dog
operation.
James McDougall,
the director of the National Children's and Youth Law Centre,
said police use of sniffer dogs was concerning.
"From a human
rights perspective the use of sniffer dogs is questionable; the
issue of them being used to police children is even more
disturbing," he said.
A third boy was
charged with offensive behaviour, assaulting a police officer,
resisting arrest, and custody of a knife. Two others were
charged with assaulting a police officer.
Mr Page said he
would consider adjusting the numbers for the event.
