Nightclub Security/Bouncers at Ministry Of Sound London

[mills3]

Last Thursday I visited Ministry Of Sound in Elephant & Castle for an all night drum & bass/Dubstep event. After queuing for a while we went through the first security barrier which was a basic ticket scan in exchange for an admit. Then the line of people was split into 3 for separate metal detectors. After going through these bags were handed over to a search team and you stepped forward to receive a body search. At this point I expected a search similar to what you would receive at an airport but no... A thorough pat down all over, removal of my jacket was required and then the bouncer proceeded to question me on why I had a zip on my jeans pocket, I explained to him I wanted to keep my phone on me throughout the night and the zip was purely to prevent it being stolen or falling out. He then asked me if I had any drugs in my waistband, after replying no he lifted up my t shirt and put his hand inside my boxers and had a good feel around to say the least! All of the 8 other guys I was with received the same search (inside the boxers) and it became apparent that they were searching all males in this way. Yes we did see people getting drugs removed from them and I fully respect that they are doing all they can to try and prevent them inside the club but surely this manor of searching crosses the legal line? The ladies barely even received a bag search on the other hand, one of my friends said they didn't even look inside her purse.

Was just wondering PHs opinions on this? Is it Illegal?

[mills3]

I dont have a problem with the search carried out as im not a drug taker and had nothing to hide entering the club, was just curious of the laws surrounding a search inside of the boxers! Nobody was informed that this search was going to take place and alot of people did get caught as a result... surely they would just bring the police in with a sniffer like most other large events i've been to in London