Bear spray. (QMI Agency file photo)

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. -- Patrons at a Thorold, Ont., strip club had to be treated on site early Sunday after a man allegedly unleashed bear spray.

Niagara Regional Police were called to The Penthouse on Lundy's Lane around 2:30 a.m. after a customer allegedly used the bear spray on another patron during an altercation.

Nine customers had to be treated on scene for eye and skin irritation.

No one was hospitalized.

An unnamed 21-year-old St. Catharines man was charged with administering a noxious substance.