Teenagers claim that testosterone and money are outweighing the interests of safety and the law at many Hamilton nightclubs and bars.

While some bars and nightclubs have been increasing security following recent incidents, several teenagers have blasted other places which failed to "tighten up", claiming it was easy for anyone, especially females, to violate their various policies.

A 19-year-old regular club-goer contacted The Royal Gazette last week regarding security. He said: "The reason why all these fights are breaking out is that security is not tight enough. Although places are claiming they are tightening up, they really aren't. It's simple, these places want money, so very few stop people from entering their clubs.

"It's getting ridiculous and unless something happens, I'm going to find something else to do on the weekends. I don't want to end up hurt."

The young man claimed persistence was the key when wanting to violate regulations. He claimed he was regularly able to get into places with "strict" dress codes despite failing to meet them. He said: "I wear baggy clothes, logo shirts, sneakers, the works. I know I'll get in anyway, so I figure, why not be comfortable? If you just ask enough times, they'll give in.

"And all the bouncers have their people. If you know the right bouncers, not only will you get into a club or bar, you'll get in for free and if anything should happen, the bouncers would keep it quiet for you.

"I have never seen a girl stopped for anything - not for ID if she didn't have it, not to have her bag searched, not to go through a metal detector. It's no wonder there is a problem - they aren't doing anything about half the people who go in."

Another teen spoke out, agreeing that security was "loose" at almost all nightclubs and bars. The female teenager said: "I'm 18, so it doesn't really matter for me, but a bunch of my girlfriends aren't yet. All they have to do is go to a club wearing a tight top. If they flirt a little with the bouncer, then they're in, no problem.

"The bottom line is that testosterone comes before the law, and that makes me sick."

But despite the claims, staff at Island bars insisted that they had the problem of violence under control and in some cases had even stepped up security to combat the problem.

Flanagan's Irish Pub & Restaurant & Sports Bar fired its former security team for a new trained group, following a fight that broke out in the bar nearly two months ago. Assistant manager of promotions Melody Woods said the last security team were not effective and were "unfortunately let go".

Ms Woods said new staff were necessary due to "the climate around every bar right now".

The new team is around six strong on weekends from 9 p.m. Two staff are stationed at each entrance with others around the two bars. Every security member has a walkie-talkie to keep in contact with each other.

Ms Woods said: "There haven't been any gang fights as such, but we have been watching how certain people interact. It may be an element here, but a minor one."

She spent some time "undercover" watching activity at the bar a few weeks ago, and claimed the "hierarchy of the boys" may have actually been a positive thing.

She observed one man knock over a girl's drink. He refused to buy her a new one after she confronted him, but when another man, "higher in the hierarchy", told him to buy her one, he complied.

She said many patrons of Flanagan's had "a real shock" when the new security team came in, saying: "They realise now there is a serious zero tolerance policy in place."

Ms Woods said a dress code was introduced to try to "smarten up some and weed out a few". However, she noted that, because it was a sports bar, the dress code could not be too strict.

Ms Woods said Flanagan's does ID "very strongly" and has had cases of people trying to use fake ID's.

"I don't know how they expected to get in there with those - they were turned away at the door," she said, laughing. She added that since it is the same security team each night, the staff recognise those under age who have previously tried to enter.

At Club 40, people entering are subject to a dress code, metal detectors and possible searches. Part-owner Kevin Burrows said they had tight security in order to allow them to "deal with any situations adequately".

He said during the summer months the Front Street nightclub does increase its staff, however he refused to divulge how many security, or give specifics of how situations are handled.

Mr. Burrows said incidents do not occur inside the club, but occasionally outside it.

"There's not really a lot - not like at some places," he said.

Despite this, Police report they were called to an incident outside Club 40 at 3.25 a.m. on Friday. A Somerset man was found unconscious by officers, but had regained consciousness by the time an ambulance arrived and refused treatment. Mr. Burrows said the attack did not occur inside the club.

Swinging Doors has now increased its security. Most recently, a new lighting system, fire escape and security camera were set up at the door. There are four to seven security guards on the weekends, and half that on weekdays.

The Court Street bar also has security doors on the bathrooms to prevent people from hanging around in them and causing trouble. These doors remain locked and can only be opened with swipe cards.

Management is also looking at having an outside group evaluate its security to see if it is "up to par".

Bar manager Audrey Nesbitt said Swinging Doors now attracts a more mature crowd, generally over the age of 25. She said the switch occurred about two or three years ago, and the place has been "more relaxed" since.

Ms Nesbitt said: "These people know they can't just go off the wall.

"We've been known to tell people not to return for a period of time if they act up, and when they come back, we never have problems with them again."

Part owner of Ozone Nightclub, formerly known as Oasis, Jason Bracewell explained at least eight staff were on duty at peak times.

While there are currently no metal detectors regularly used on patrons, they will be implemented by the end of the year as part of Ozone's legal requirements for its liquor licence.

Ozone also has what has been called "one of the strictest dress codes" of "smart casual", with no beach wear or sports gear allowed. Sneakers, baggy pants, shirts sporting large logos, hats, and wife-beaters, among other things, are not permitted. Mr. Bracewell explained the dress code was used to, "lift up the image of the club".

Mr. Bracewell said that since the club had re-opened in May after major renovations, no fights had been reported. He said these were avoided because"certain elements prefer a certain atmosphere, and that atmosphere is no longer here."

Mr. Bracewell said the club had been converted to Ozone following a change in ownership, and denied it had anything to do with previous problems within Oasis. While admitting it had initially taken a while for patrons to get used to the new rules and atmosphere, he claimed last weekend was busier than it had been in several years.

Mr. Bracewell added: "If we have problems, it's when there are predominantly locals in the club. When there's only cruise ship people, there's nothing to worry about."

Hamilton is not the only area where security seems to be a problem.

Freddie's Pub in St. George's has now hired more security staff, introduced an entrance fee of $5, and implemented a "smart casual" dress code.

Despite other clubs recently stepping up security, general manager of The Beach Julian Rose said: "We feel no need for additional measures as we firmly have the bar under control. We have not had any real problems."

He said the bar has four security staff on at nights, with two of those stationed at the door. He also said security cameras were in the bar.

All the bars and nightclubs contacted insisted they were able to handle possible problems and that they ID every patron.

Escape nightclub's owner Paul DeCouto told The Royal Gazette this week that he would be "cracking down" and "cleaning up his clientele". Changes will include a redesigning of the club's entrance to prevent a bottleneck problem and a creation of a coat check area. In addition, no glass containers will be served, ID's will be required for all patrons, a crackdown on drug use within the club will start, patrons will be subject to a metal detector and being "patted down" with any weapons found handed over to Police, and an implementation of a dress code.

Police spokesman Dwayne Caines stated: "The Police Service welcomes the news that some licensed premises will be taking meaningful steps to improve security and enhance public safety at their premises.

"Last year, the Service began to highlight some of the crime and disorder problems that were being experienced at several licensed premises. We began to work closer with management as a result and we commend the very positive steps that are now being taken.

"Measures, such as those reported, will have the effect of reducing crime and enhancing public safety. This will lead to better compliance with the Liquor License Act, and a safer experience for the thousands of patrons of licensed premises."