Those involved in organising a Halloween party in Limassol at which minors allegedly drank alcohol are expected to face prosecution, Limassol’s assistant police director said. A 16-year-old boy in hospital was injured outside the venue as young people were leaving, he said.
The exact circumstances of the boy’s injury are being investigated. He remains in Makarios Hospital, and an update on his condition is expected.
According to the evidence so far, the necessary checks appear not to have been carried out at the entrance, so minors were let in. Testimony gathered also shows that alcoholic drinks were served to young people in breach of the law.
Some of the minors felt unwell and faint after drinking alcohol and were taken to hospital, where they received first aid and were discharged.
Assistant police director Lefteris Kyriacou said police had taken several statements from parents and minors, and that the organiser and the venue’s operator were expected to be questioned. Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be forwarded so that those found to be involved can be prosecuted.
Police were alerted at about 11pm that minors were at the venue. By the time officers arrived, it had closed and several minors were outside. The usual procedures were followed and statements taken, and the venue’s manager was reported the same night.
Kyriacou said parents had initially been told their children would be going to a different venue, and were informed of the change only at the last minute. According to what their children had told them, no alcohol would be served, only snacks and soft drinks.
Asked whether entertainment venues are checked for minors drinking alcohol, Kyriacou said regular inspections take place and police file reports when they receive information. The Crime Prevention Unit has made several such reports, leading to out-of-court fines or other measures depending on the case, he said.
