Dundee nightclub restricts opening hours after police limit entries over drug use

An acclaimed Dundee nightclub is having to restrict its opening hours after police began limiting the number of people allowed into the venue.

It is understood police started capping the number of people allowed into the Reading Rooms each night due to concerns about drug use in the club.

Officers began probing the nightspot after a woman reported she had been the victim of an alleged sexual assault after a night out there.

The alleged attack is understood to have taken place at a private flat and not inside the Blackscroft club.

The Reading Rooms normally has a capacity of 450 but police are refusing to let more than 200 patrons inside at a time.

This has left promoters of individual club nights struggling to meet their overheads and unable to sell tickets for events in advance in case more people than are permitted purchase them and turn up.

A statement posted by the Reading Rooms said: “We regret to inform you that the Reading Rooms will be closed this coming Thursday and Friday.

“The venue will reopen again on Saturday from 9pm for Jute City Jam. We have made the tough decision for these closures due to difficulties operating under limitations set upon the venue by the authorities.

“A full statement will be issued in the coming days. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support.”

Organisers said the venue was being pressurised by the authorities due to the “gentrification” of the area. A petition was set up by club regulars recently, demanding support for the nightclub.

It received more than 7,000 signatures before it was taken down at the behest of the club.

Police Scotland’s Tayside Division was asked for comment but had not responded by the time of going to press.

Jim Grieve, who runs the Reading Rooms with his brother Grant, declined to comment.