Bar offered 'most drunk' reward

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Bosses from a Newcastle bar have been summoned to a licensing committee after revellers were set to be breath tested with a reward for the heaviest drinker.

Police and alcohol campaigners have strongly criticised staff at The Attic in Mosley Street, who have since cancelled the planned promotion.

The event, dubbed Trashed, was advertised on the internet, where drinks were promised at 50p.

Northumbria Police, said it wanted "to see an end" to similar promotions.

Ch Supt Graham Smith said such events could "ultimately lead to drink-fuelled violence", adding the Attic would not be allowed to offer cheap drink deals.

Entry fee

He added: "I'd like to remind people that just as not all people who drink do so irresponsibly, not all outlets trade irresponsibly, and we'll continue to target our enforcement activity at the problem premises and problem individuals."

Tony Tilden, director of Licensing Solutions, which manages the bar, also stated that the event would not be going ahead.

The internet advert, which has now been removed, said customers would get "nailed, battered, done-in" and "trashed".

Shots of sambuca and tequila were advertised at 50p before 2300 BST and anyone deemed sober enough to drive after taking a breath test would be handed back their entrance fee.

The ad also stated that the most drunk customers would gain free entry to the venue.

A spokesman from Newcastle City Council said it was expected that representatives from the Attic Bar would be reprimanded for their actions by licensing officials on 14 September.

Colin Shevills, director of Balance, a North East alcohol campaigning company, said: "This is one of the most outrageous and irresponsible drinks promotion offers I have ever witnessed."