A CLUB at the centre of a teenage fracas has been banned from holding 18th birthday parties.

But committee members at Highfield Working Men’s Club in Ratcliffe Street, Darwen, said a ruling will cost ‘thousands and thousands’ and want it overturned.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Licensing Committee put the restrictions on the club in a bid to stop a repeat of problems seen at last year’s Hallowe’en party, which descended into ‘mayhem’ when 400 youths turned up thanks to an invite on Facebook.

The council has also asked the club to consider banning 21st birthdays, as well as ensuring CCTV is operational inside and outside the premises.

In addition, committee members must be present on the entrance door at all times when a function is taking place and ensure ID checks are carried out,.

Under 18s must be accompanied on the premises after 4.30pm and bosses have to ensure a panic button linked to the police station is working.

Club secretary Lynne Baron said 30 people wanting 18th parties at the venue had been turned away so far.

She said: “We’re not happy about the restriction on 18th birthdays.

“You can get trouble at weddings or with any age group, so it’s not right to do this, and we’re holding a meeting with the council about it on Wednesday to try and get it overturned.

“They have asked us not to have 21sts either, but we won’t be doing that. It is a big part of our revenue.

“There’s no other club with these restrictions in Darwen, and I feel we’re being made an example of.”

Chris Allen, head of the borough’s public protection unit, said the conditions were reasonable given the ‘considerable disturbance’ last year and concern of the police.

He added: “This aim of the condition is to help prevent any further outbreaks of disorder, reduce anti-social behaviour and to stop drinking occurring by party guests who may be underage."

At Hallowe’en, there were reports of youths starting fights, lighting fireworks and urinating on cars.

Two arrests were made and one teenage girl was taken to hospital with what police said were 'alcohol-induced' problems.