A pub operator in Gloucester has attacked the country's biggest late-night bars operator for running a "free drinks" promotion in two of its outlets in the city.
Luminar was offering free Vodka Kick to customers at its Liquid nightclub and Jumpin' Jaks in Gloucester on payment of a £3 entry fee.
Excelsior Leisure, which has three pubs in the town, complained to Luminar and accused it of "hypocrisy". The company's operations director, Stuart Hayles, said: "The bills on licensing and anti-social behaviour have continued to put blame on the industry for all the problems created by alcohol."
A former Gloucester councillor, Richard Payne, also complained to Luminar. He said: "I find this to be totally irresponsible. All this kind of promotion does is encourage speed drinking which has a detrimental effect on the health of your customers, and can only worsen the current public order issues in our towns and cities."
Luminar has withdrawn the offer from the Gloucester branch of Liquid, but the city's Jumpin' Jaks outlet is still charging £3 for entry on a Friday between 8pm and 9.30pm, when customers can drink Vodka Kick, which has an ABV of 4%, for free.
Luminar said: "After consultation with local police, Jumpin' Jaks is currently running a tightly controlled 'VK Heaven' promotion.
"This is not an irresponsible promotion as the time is limited, the only drink on offer has a low alcohol by volume content and there are strict rules to ensure no person drinks excessively. A customer who has consumed four bottles of Vodka Kick is drinking only the equivalent of two pints of weak lager. Drinks are not sold to people who appear intoxicated."
Luminar was offering free Vodka Kick to customers at its Liquid nightclub and Jumpin' Jaks in Gloucester on payment of a £3 entry fee.
Excelsior Leisure, which has three pubs in the town, complained to Luminar and accused it of "hypocrisy". The company's operations director, Stuart Hayles, said: "The bills on licensing and anti-social behaviour have continued to put blame on the industry for all the problems created by alcohol."
A former Gloucester councillor, Richard Payne, also complained to Luminar. He said: "I find this to be totally irresponsible. All this kind of promotion does is encourage speed drinking which has a detrimental effect on the health of your customers, and can only worsen the current public order issues in our towns and cities."
Luminar has withdrawn the offer from the Gloucester branch of Liquid, but the city's Jumpin' Jaks outlet is still charging £3 for entry on a Friday between 8pm and 9.30pm, when customers can drink Vodka Kick, which has an ABV of 4%, for free.
Luminar said: "After consultation with local police, Jumpin' Jaks is currently running a tightly controlled 'VK Heaven' promotion.
"This is not an irresponsible promotion as the time is limited, the only drink on offer has a low alcohol by volume content and there are strict rules to ensure no person drinks excessively. A customer who has consumed four bottles of Vodka Kick is drinking only the equivalent of two pints of weak lager. Drinks are not sold to people who appear intoxicated."
