Drug trial lifts veil on sordid club land

New York's self-styled 'King of Clubs' was acquitted of drug peddling charges last week, but his sensational trial has uncovered the sordid world of Big Apple nightlife.

Peter Gatien, the millionaire owner of Manhattan night spots such as The Limelight and Tunnel, walked free after a jury failed to believe an array of drug-dealer witnesses who claimed he encouraged the Ecstacy and cocaine dealing which attracted revellers to his clubs.

The two-year probe by federal agents caused the closure of Mr Gatien's clubs and signalled a clampdown on the blatant drug-dealing which had been taking place in discos for years.

The ever-exuberant Mr Gatien said he planned to celebrate his victory with the reopening of his clubs and some serious parties.

The acquittal was a serious blow to prosecutors, who had secured plea bargains on drugs charges from several of Mr Gatien's former staff in return for testimony that their boss had sanctioned the drug culture to pack his clubs with patrons.

A cast of colourful characters, known by such nicknames as Mr Purple, Goldilocks and Flyin' Brian, appeared telling stories of how advertisements for nightclub parties included buried references, using initials like X to denote Ecstasy would be available, among other drugs.