Belfast nightclub videos probed by drinks watchdog

An independent panel will review interview-style videos posted by Lux nightclub

A Belfast nightclub’s social media videos are being examined by a watchdog set up to investigate concerns about irresponsible alcohol promotions.

Lux on Dunbar Street in the Cathedral Quarter had posted interview-style videos, including some in which customers were asked to "name and shame" their friends.

It removed the clips after concerns were raised about their content and informed consent.

The videos are now being examined by a panel which upholds the Joint Industry Code for the Responsible Promotion and Retail of Alcohol in Northern Ireland.

Duncan McCausland, chairman of the complaints panel, said they would determine whether the videos breached the code.

"The independent panel of the Responsible Promotion and Retail of Alcohol Code is aware of news reports of videos posted on social media recorded at Lux nightclub on Dunbar Street in Belfast recently,” he said.

“As with any issues of this nature, the independent panel will examine the videos to determine whether a breach has occurred.”

The code is a self-regulatory measure introduced by the industry in 2012 which aims to promote best practice and prevent alcohol being irresponsibly promoted or sold.

What did the videos show?

The videos were posted online under the Lux nightclub’s Fat Wednesdays brand - a club night aimed at students.

In the clips, an interviewer asks customers a range of questions such as dating red flags or "naming and shaming" their friends' worst story.

On Wednesday, the club's management said that after listening to concerns from a number of people, it had engaged with the promoter and the videos were being removed.

Lux, on Dunbar Street, said it had removed the videos after criticism

It also said it was stopping any similar content and would review the campaign going forward.

The content was meant to be “a bit of fun for students/customers and for the most part that's what it is", it said in a statement.

"They are very popular with our customers as they enjoy being involved in these videos."

Green Party councillor Áine Groogan said it was an "incredibly irresponsible campaign".

"If you listen to some of the more graphic stuff, it is pretty damaging and there is a question about these young people's ability to consent," she told BBC Radio Ulster’s Evening Extra programme on Wednesday.

Customer's safety 'number one priority'

Lux said the style of promotional video was popular among the club's demographic and similar videos had been used across the UK.

It said there was a "two-tier step" process when it came to the issue of consent and "if the answer is no, the videos are deleted and unused".

On questions about intoxication, Lux management said security and bar staff are well-trained and know when customers have had too much to drink.

"We always take a customer’s safety and enjoyment as a top priority," it said.