THE Elk Complex in Co Antrim cannot hold any more events for teenagers until the outcome of a safety review after parents complained of serious overcrowding at a disco.
The Irish News revealed on Saturday that police have received several complaints of overcrowding at a sold-out Teenelk event at the complex in Toomebridge on Friday November 5.
Separately it has emerged that 170 cases of positive and suspected covid have been recorded linked to the event.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) said yesterday that 800 people are also self-isolating after being identified as close contacts.
The mother of a 13-year-old girl told The Irish News her daughter's life was saved by a quick-thinking security guard amid concerns of serious overcrowding at the event.
She said the ticketed disco, which does not serve alcohol, was "absolutely rammed".
Other parents suggested up to 1,700 were at the event.
The Elk complex is one of the north's best known entertainment venues and attracts large crowds from across counties Antrim, Derry and Tyrone.
A Teenelk event scheduled for Friday has been cancelled amid an investigation by Mid Ulster District Council.
A council spokeswoman said no more Teenelk events will be allowed until the outcome of its review.
"The Council is investigating an incident under the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 and has been in contact with the premises as part of that on-going investigation," she said.
"A prohibition notice has been issued under the Health and Safety at Work Order which prevents events for teenagers being held at the premises pending a review of safety measures."
The Elk, who had not previously responded to Irish News requests for comment, said yesterday it was "assisting Mid Ulster District Council with its enquiries".
A spokesman said: "We can confirm that on the evening no one presented for treatment to the medical team on site."
The PHA said more than 170 Covid cases had been linked to teenagers who attended the event.
More than 800 close contacts are self-isolating.
A spokesman said: "This issue is a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and adherence to the public health guidance and regulations for Covid-19.
"Just because restrictions allow for large scale events and social gatherings, it does not mean that they carry no risk of Covid infection, and we have seen cases amongst younger people rising generally."
According to figures released yesterday, 1,698 new Covid cases were reported, 166 of which were in Mid Ulster.
The PHA urged the public to "exercise caution".
"Take a rapid LFD test before attending any event or social gathering, wear a face covering and maintain appropriate distance where required, wash hands regularly, and open windows and doors to ventilate closed spaces," a spokesman said.
"If you develop symptoms, self-isolate and arrange a PCR test."
