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Original poster

17 year old detained by bouncers

114 replies

Perfectpeonies · 17/11/2023 22:38

Looking for advice for anyone that knows the law in this area (I know that there is a legal topic but I’m looking for quick answers)

they have just called me and I have the following information

  • they are in a nightclub and have been drinking
  • they have a can of spray paint
  • they are being detained by bouncers whilst they wait for the police on the basis of criminal damage
  • they are on their own as their friends have left
OP posts:
RosaElize · 17/11/2023 22:40

Yes someone can be detained by security for a reasonable amount if time if they are suspected of committing a crime (which i assume here to be vandalism)

MargaritaHargitaysLittleSister · 17/11/2023 22:47

How are the bouncers detaining her/him? Also depends on what area you're in op. Police in London won't turn up, they don't even turn up if somebody's been stabbed

Original poster
Perfectpeonies · 17/11/2023 23:07

There are four of them preventing him leaving. It’s a Friday night I’m not sure the police are going to be in a hurry to get there

OP posts:
Sometimeswinning · 17/11/2023 23:09

Well they could walk out but I don’t fancy their chances!!

waitholdup · 17/11/2023 23:13

Are you able to go and be with them?

MidnightOnceMore · 17/11/2023 23:20

They shouldn't speak to the police without a legal representative. They are entitled to an adult.

Can you contact them by text?

Dogsitterwoes · 17/11/2023 23:20

They can detain people as a form of citizen's arrest under certain conditions, including crime.

They won't hurt him/her.

Can you go over there and stay till the police arrive?

I'd be more worried about the vandalism behaviour than their being kept there. And their shit friends.

margotrose · 17/11/2023 23:22

Bouncers can legally detain you if you're suspected of a crime.

Sounds like there are two crimes here - underage drinking in a club and also vandalism.

Can you go down and be with him or at least wait outside?

Soontobe60 · 17/11/2023 23:26

Has he actually caused criminal damage by spraying something with his paint?

WhereIsBebèsChambre · 17/11/2023 23:30

Do you want advice to sort out what they've done wrong, or are you mnetting the 'going nuclear' because he's under 18 and been detained.

Original poster
Perfectpeonies · 17/11/2023 23:33

Obviously I am concerned about what’s happened and will deal with that but the most pressing issue is that he’s being detained by four, I’m assuming, large men, and his safety

OP posts:
SusanKennedyshouldLTB · 17/11/2023 23:36

Why are you not going down there? He is underage drinking, in a nightclub presumably for adults, with a can of spray paint. You need to get there.

StSwithinsDay · 17/11/2023 23:37

Are you sitting outside the night club at this moment?

Theunamedcat · 17/11/2023 23:37

Do they know he is underage

KnickerlessParsons · 17/11/2023 23:37

Perfectpeonies · 17/11/2023 23:33

Obviously I am concerned about what’s happened and will deal with that but the most pressing issue is that he’s being detained by four, I’m assuming, large men, and his safety

He'll be safe. They aren't going to do anything to him.

Soontobe60 · 17/11/2023 23:37

Presumably the Id he has on him will say that he’s over 18 if he’s in a club? I’d be going down there with his passport to prove his details and await a knock on my door from the police tomorrow.

Hairyfairy01 · 17/11/2023 23:38

I was a 'bouncer' as a petite female. I wouldn't presume. My priority as a parent would be to go there, but you may be unpleasantly surprised by how your ds is reacting.

HamsterBanana · 17/11/2023 23:38

They're bouncers, not ISIS. Stop letting your imagination run wild.

Dinoboymama · 17/11/2023 23:38

Won't the nightclub if they've been in it get a fine for allowing an underage person to enter?

StSwithinsDay · 17/11/2023 23:40

@Dinoboymama

Presumably he has fake id.
At any rate, the nightclub have contacted the police so they may have no concerns about being fined.

fairymary87 · 17/11/2023 23:40

Can't you get to him?

margotrose · 17/11/2023 23:46

Perfectpeonies · 17/11/2023 23:33

Obviously I am concerned about what’s happened and will deal with that but the most pressing issue is that he’s being detained by four, I’m assuming, large men, and his safety

They're not going to hurt him!

NoTouch · 17/11/2023 23:49

Tell him to comply and wait for police or you to arrive to discuss (calmly) with management.

Remember it is the 17 year old who is in the wrong here (and the parents assuming they let them to out knowing they were under age) not the venue whose license in in jepordy, reputation is at stake, has perhaps suffered criminal damage and has to baby sit someoneelses drunk teen when they have work to do.

The 17 year old needs to learn consequences. Let them learn the lesson, dont be too quick to rescue them.

Icanflyhigh · 17/11/2023 23:51

Last time I was detained by 4 , 2 of them (male) were smaller than me, and I'm not big! The other 2 (female) were about my size and lovely.
Why has he got a can of spray paint on him?

DNLove · 17/11/2023 23:53

Why are you on here and not going to be the responsible adult with your son? Your son should not be on the premises, albeit they should have checked his ID, unless he has fake ID? Do you know that he goes to clubs?
Your son is in the wrong being in the club (we've all done it) also if he has used the spray pain he has vandalised he is up to be charged for it.
Not sure my first thought would be "must ask mumsnet" if my son was in trouble.

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