Justin Bieber snapped boozing in bar

Pop star Justin Bieber has been photographed apparently drinking beer in a nightclub in breach of strict age-limit laws.

The Baby hitmaker, 20, headed to the popular Bootsy Bellows nightclub in West Hollywood, California this week (ends20Jul14) with controversial singer Chris Brown and was snapped topless and clutching a bottle of lager as he chatted to a female reveller.

The legal age for drinking alcohol in the country is 21, and editors at TMZ.com report officials at the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control are investigating whether the venue's owners have breached conditions of their licence.

The nightclub is co-owned by actor David Arquette.

The incident is the latest scandal for Bieber - he is currently at the centre of a driving under the influence (DUI) case following his arrest in Miami, Florida in January (14), and he is also facing prosecution in his native Canada over claims he lashed out at a limousine driver in December (13).