Hopewell News

A sweet 16 party Saturday reportedly sparked several confrontations outside of the Beacon Theatre. The party had been shut down because it was estimated to be three times above the contracted capacity.
Cheryl Collins, a volunteer at the theatre, said that combined sweet 16 party for two girls had been contracted out as a private function of about 100 guests. The theatre opened at about 2 p.m. to allow for decorations. About an hour later, Collins said the theatre began to receive calls from juveniles and parents about details on the party. Several callers said they had heard of the event through text messages. The parent who signed the contract was informed and the invite-only party proceeded as planned at 7 p.m. As for all events at the Beacon, Hopewell Police were informed of the event.
At about 9 p.m., during a routine patrolling of the theatre, which is done by a Beacon board member of volunteer during all events, the discovery was made that people were being let in through back doors, a misinformed adult had let additional juveniles in and at least 250 people where in the banquet space.
�We never fill that building to capacity,� Collins said.
The father of one of the girls for whom the party was held was asked about the size and growing unruly nature of the party and he made motions along with Collins to get the uninvited guests to leave. Police officers were called to ensure that the removal process was orderly.
Collins said the original intention was to allow the party to continue with the invited guests but police felt the event needed to end. Some of the people told to leave the building became violent on the streets but no one was injured inside of the Beacon, Collins said. Virginia State Police and Prince George County Police aided Hopewell police due to the volume of people. Parents collected their children, the Beacon was emptied and the unprecedented situation was deemed over by about 11:30 p.m., Collins said.
�We have had numerous sweet 16 parties and this has never happened before,� she said. �We will implement new polices to ensure this never happens again.�
City officials were informed of the incident. Collins said she had talked to one council member Sunday and expects to meet with City Manager Dr. Edwin Daley this week. The Beacon�s Board of Directors plans to meet today.
No release on the situation from the Hopewell Police Department was available as of 9:30 a.m. Monday but police said it would be forthcoming.