Dentist's chair game costs publican his licence

A publican has lost his licence after a student went into a coma following a 'dentist's chair' drinking game.

Eighteen-year-old Ian Overton collapsed after cinnamon liqueur was poured down his throat as he lay back in the chair at the Blacksmith's Arms, in Loughborough, Leicestershire.

Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises franchisee Magnus Lawson had his license revoked by Loughborough magistrates and was ordered to pay £800 costs.

Mr Lawson did not contest the action, and said he was 'mortified' by what had happened. He still holds the franchise of the pub and plans to run it with a manager as licensee, but has now banned drinking games.

The court heard that Mr Overton had drunk strong lager, alcopops and spirits in other bars before climbing into the dentist's chair at the Blacksmiths Arms. He spent three days in hospital, with doctors believing he came close to consuming a lethal dose of alcohol.

Dentist's chair drinking games are a feature of a number of pubs and bars targeting students and other young drinkers.

The game hit the headlines during the Euro 96 soccer tournament when Paul Gascoigne, Teddy Sheringham and other England soccer players were reported to have played during a rowdy night out.

A spokesperson for Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises said: "We do not condone any activity of this kind. We are very aware of the high level of social responsibility the drinks industry has and this is something that we take very seriously, ensuring all our lessees receive formal training and advice about such matters."