UK Nightclub Faces Fine for Serving Drain Cleaner Instead of Salt with Tequila Shots to Customers

A UK nightclub was fined after mistakenly giving patrons drain cleaner instead of salt with their tequila shots, leading to hospitalization for four customers.

The incident occurred at Tiger Tiger club in December 2021 when a staff member, finding no salt at the bar, scooped a substance from a container in a dimly lit area, mistaking it for salt.

The bartender and customers quickly felt ill after ingesting the substance with their shots, which testing revealed had a highly alkaline pH level of 13. An investigation found the substance to be caustic soda, incorrectly served due to a staff error.

The club admitted to health and safety violations and was fined £120,000 by a judge for exposing customers to chemical risks.

Councillor Aicha Less emphasized the importance of proper chemical handling and safety procedures, warning businesses to take heed to avoid similar incidents.

Westminster City Council vowed to ensure high standards of safety and staff training to prevent future occurrences.