AN ATHLONE NIGHTCLUB has become the first in Ireland to be prosecuted under the country’s private security laws since they were introduced seven years ago.

Thomas Conlon Limited, the operator of Q Nite Club on Dublingate Street, was fined a total of €2,750 after being found in breach of eight counts of the Private Security Services Act, 2004.

The prosecutions were on foot of inspections by the Private Security Authority in October 2010, which found an unlicensed doorman working at the club.

The PSA said it had identified similar breaches of the licencing rules at an inspection in November 2008 – when it had reminded the nightclub of its legal requirements.

A further inspection took place last Saturday evening when further breaches of security licencing laws were found again. The PSA said it would be pursuing further prosecutions against the club as a result of its most recent visit.

Doormen and security staff are required by law to wear accredited identification while on duty.

PSA chief executive Geraldine Larkin said the judgment would encourage the authority to “continue to target further clubs and other venues with a view to prosecuting those employing unlicenced staff”.

The prosecution is the first against a night club, though the authority has previously secured convictions against individual bouncers.

The regulation of the security trade was championed by former Tánaiste Michael McDowell while he was Minister for Justice.