A city nightclub has made a U-turn on a strict over-21s only policy introduced following the death of an underage schoolgirl.

Bosses at The Arches decided to bar anyone under 21 from attending club nights following the death of Regane MacColl.

Club bosses also vowed to tighten up security to crackdown on drug use.

But yesterday they revealed the venue was reinstating its over-18s door policy.

The change followed the death of Regane, 17, who collapsed at the club on February 1 and died in hospital hours later.

It is thought she had taken a fake ecstasy pill known as Mortal Kombat.

A statement released by the venue read: "The Arches is reinstating its over-18s clubs policy from Saturday May 3, with valid ID required for entry.

"We are working closely with Police Scotland in adopting many operational recommendations which we believe will provide a safer clubbing environment.

"The Arches operates a strict zero tolerance drugs policy and is committed to protecting the health and safety of its customers, whom we urge to act responsibly at all times."

Police previously told how sniffer dogs would be brought in to search club-goers as part of a crackdown on drugs.

Senior officers raised further concerns when 14 men were arrested over alleged drug offences during a raid at the Midland Street nightclub on March 1.

As reported by the Evening Times, a 39-year-old man collapsed after taking ecstasy outside the club.

It is understood he was being searched by club staff when he fell to the ground.

Former top police officer Graeme Pearson said the strict age limit at the nightclub would not stop the use of drugs.

The MSP, who is Labour justice spokesman, said: "Changing the age limit didn't respond to the issue.

"The issue is did the club take all the necessary procedures to stop drugs getting in?

"What was the point in changing the age limit?

"Management need to stop drug dealers getting in and report the ones that do to police."

Police ordered a review of The Arches' licence in the wake of Regane's death.

But Glasgow City Council licensing board chairman Bill Butler agreed to let the city centre venue keep its alcohol licence as long as bosses worked with police.

After the licensing review, management said they would retain a policy of banning under-21s, even though that was not a condition of keeping their licence.

Councillors heard schoolgirl Regane, from Duntocher, Dunbartonshire, used a fake ID for a 19-year-old to enter the club.

Management also agreed to strict recommendations set out by police, including a search of all clubbers and hi-tech identity scanning equipment.

Following the announcement, more than 1000 clubbers signed an anti-21 door policy petition.

The petition, called Get The Arches back to Over-18s, was posted online just hours after the club brought in the new door rules.

rebecca.gray@ eveningtimes.co.uk