Outrage over Dundee bar’s 50p vodka drinks

A new nightclub in Dundee has come under fire from alcohol addiction charities for its “irresponsible” pricing of vodka drinks at just 50p each.

Beau nightclub, which is also advertising beer, alcopops and other spirits for £1 on Friday nights, has defended the offer – stating the club operates a “smart drinking policy” via its Facebook page.

Dave Barrie, manager of Dundee alcohol and drug addiction charity Addaction, told the Evening Telegraph: “It is important businesses promote sensible and safe alcohol use and selling extremely cheap spirits is not doing that in any shape or form.

“It is clearly a way of making money and promoting sales and the club itself. The city’s alcohol and drug issues are quite significant and this is not helping.

“If this were to set some sort of precedent for nightclubs and bars in Dundee then that would be very worrying.”

Beau owner, Tahir Ramzan, replied: “Nobody is served more than two glasses at a time, we don’t do doubles as part of the offer, and it is up to staff to decide not to serve a person if they feel they have had too much to drink.

“Who supervises all of the people who are pre-loading before they come to the club? No-one.

“I’m disappointed that, instead of being positive about us employing people, they are judging us before they know what we do. We are in control — not the customer.”

Beau nightclub could not be reached for further comments.

In July last year, a Brighton bar was criticised for its “potentially lethal”drinks promotion offering 42 shots for £105.