Tenerife bar worker speaks out on 'dark side' of island after Jay Slater vanishes

A worker from Tenerife has voiced her concerns following the disappearance of Jay Slater. The woman, who spent two years working on the island, warns that "there's a dark side of the island tourists rarely see", particularly after 19-year-old Jay vanished post attending a rave at the popular Canary Islands holiday destination.

Ciara O'Loughlin reveals the reality of life in the lively Canary Island she once considered home, recounting how certain bars would serve as a "haven for illicit activities". Jay, along with his two friends Lucy Law and Brad Hargreaves, had been at a rave at Papagayo nightclub, where he was last seen before his disappearance.

Lucy and Brad returned to their shared holiday accommodation while Jay left with two other men, heading towards a property in the north of the island, near the village of Masca. When Jay failed to return, Lucy reported him missing and joined the search efforts as his family arrived on the Spanish island.

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Reflecting on her time there, Ciara said: "Seven years back, working and residing in Tenerife lived up to my dreams. Such was the allure that I returned for another season. Earning less than €4 an hour and serving cocktails for six nights didn't bother me as I was enjoying life immensely. Days meant lazying around by the pool or sunning at the beach, evenings were accentuated by serving refreshments with a cheerful mien, and off-duty times boasted VIP access to supreme festivals and vivacious parties."

She warned: "I observed other bars deeply involved in illicit activities, providing a haven for dealers throughout the night. Many young workers on the strip, oblivious to the serious risks, found themselves caught up in dangerous situations linked to these dealers.", reports Birmingham Live.

"Guiding drug-seeking tourists to these dealers would earn them a swift €10. In stark contrast, my friend and I begged for tips just to quench our thirst, unlike others who seemed to live without such financial worries. While the culture of drinking while on duty was promoted, there were penalties for overindulgence. The punishment? ".

"A €50 fine, which surpassed our nightly earnings. We were also obligated to dedicate three or four hours each week to thoroughly clean the bar. Failure to show up resulted in another €50 fine."

She added: "To all young people setting off on your first party holiday, have fun, but stay vigilant."