Nightclub probed over Vic drug deaths

The deaths of two teenagers and a string of overdoses linked to a popular Melbourne nightclub are being investigated by police and liquor licensing authorities.

Room 680 nightclub was closed early on Sunday morning after two men and two women were taken to hospital following drug overdoses at the Hawthorn venue.

Regional Crime Inspector Kerin Moloney also confirmed the nightclub was being investigated over the deaths of a 17-year-old St Albans youth and a 19-year-old Deer Park woman last year.

Both deaths are believed to have been caused by drug overdoses and have been referred to the coroner.

The nightclub, which is open until 7am on weekends, is popular with students from a nearby university and elite private schools.

Inspector Moloney said police were working to determine the source of the drugs and had been in contact with the Victorian Commission for Gaming and Liquor Regulation regarding issues at the venue during the past year.

"Victoria Police is extremely concerned about the drug use and subsequent overdoses in the nightclub scene in Hawthorn and are liaising with venue operators to address the issue," he said.

Police had increased patrols and visits to licensed venues in the area, he said.

Room 680 has been contacted for comment.