Nightclub boss plans discount to compete with pubs

A nightclub owner has threatened to slash the price of drinks at his venues in a bid to compete with pubs and supermarkets.

Steve Thomas, chief executive of Luminar Leisure, said his clubs, which include the Liquid and Oceania brands, have been hit by the double whammy of more flexible licensing hours for pubs and cheap supermarket prices.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live last night, he said it was a struggle to find the balance between being socially responsible and being competitive.

He said: "Pubs and supermarkets discount their drinks and take customers away from nightclubs.

"The difference now is that pubs used to close at 11pm and then go to get that extra drink.

"We sell a bottle of Stella for about £3.20-£3.50 and we are testing that market as we speak. If we sold it for £2 that would attract more customers - our margins would go down but our profits would go up.

"We have a dilemma in trying to be responsible and trying to get people into our clubs."

But the move has already attracted criticism from pubs.

Luminar venue Bar Life in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, hasalready reportedly been selling cut price drinks which a pub claims has been taking away customers.

Debbie Dexter who runs the Horseshoe Inn said the nightclub was not helping recent efforts by pubs to improve Wellingborough's image.

She said: "It is just totally ridiculous. This embarrasses the rest of the trade and there will be no doubt that the rest of the public houses will all suffer because of this."