2:04PM, Tue Oct 30, 2012

Shots For 59p: Outrage At Newcastle Nightclub's Drinks Offer

Newcastle's biggest nightclub could lose its licence after promoting 59p drinks on a club night called 'Broke!'.

Newcastle City Council is set to investigate LQ Nightclub where promoters advertised single vodka drinks or 'J-bombs' for 59p and doubles for 99p.

Concerns about the cut-price night were raised by a mother who had to rescue her 18-year-old daughter from behind a fast-food van after partying with friends at the venue.

The mum, who did not want to be named, told how her daughter’s worried friends called her for help in the early hours after a night out at LQ.

She said: "I asked her how she managed to get so drunk as she is normally reasonably sensible when it comes to nights out and I have never seen her in that state.

“She replied that the nightclub was only charging 59p for each drink, and so she had drunk more of them as they were so cheap.”

Formerly known as the Oxford Ballroom, The Ritzy and Liquid and Envy, the club has a capacity of almost 2,400 people.

The council is now investigating the club to see if any licence breaches were made.

Coun Henri Murison, cabinet member for quality of life, described the offer as “disgraceful”.

He said: “The majority of premises sell alcohol at a sensible price, and serve alcohol responsibly.

“It is only a minority who fail in this regard but we will take action to ensure that they sell liquor responsibly in our city.”

Council officers will investigate whether the club has breached its licence, either through an irresponsible drinks promotion or by staff knowingly serving booze to someone clearly drunk.

Coun Murison added: "Depending on the outcome of the investigation it may lead to a review of the premise’s licence."

Chief Inspector Bruce Storey said the police will support the council in cracking down on low-price alcohol offers.

“Together with the city council we monitor drinks promotions in the city centre very closely as we are well aware of the impact they can have on crime and disorder, as well and people’s health and safety,” he said.

“We work closely with the council to take action against any drinks promotions deemed inappropriate or irresponsible.”

The previous week, doctors in Tyneside wrote to David Cameron to ask for a minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol amid concerns drink is putting young people’s health in jeopardy.

Colin Shevills, director of Balance, the organisation behind the campaign for a minimum price for alcohol, said: “These kinds of events put young people at risk by encouraging them to drink alcohol to a point where they can no longer make good decisions.

“Once intoxicated and vulnerable, these young men and women are carelessly ejected into the city during the early hours of the morning – when the majority of stranger violence and wounding offences take place.

“To help protect our children and young people, we need to do more to clamp down on irresponsible organisers and promoters of events such as these.”

Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle Central, said: “Selling alcohol at ridiculously low prices whether it be by clubs or supermarkets, is irresponsible, especially in Newcastle where alcohol contributes significantly to many serious health and social issues.”

Nobody from the nightclub was available for comment.