Underage drinking at Middlesbrough club 'not isolated incident'

Middlesbrough Council’s licensing committee is reviewing the suspended licence of The Lounge Afrique after claims of underage drinking at the nightclub were described as “not an isolated incident.” Cleveland Police said underage girls were served drinks before one was allegedly raped. The council’s principal public protection officer argued there was a “pattern of concerns,” including a room with two double beds that licence holder Percy Quarcoo said was used for sleeping. Quarcoo said he is introducing new measures: a new security team, a safeguarding lead and stronger age verification. The committee will reach a decision within the next five working days.