Stonegate alters serve policy after customer downs 26 shots

The reveller, who was celebrating his 26th birthday, downed the 15% ABV shots in quick succession at the Vineyard, a Smith & Jones-branded pub in Sittingbourne, Kent.

It is understood that barstaff thought the shots were for a group of people, rather than an individual.

According to local newspaper reports, another customer believed “the man could have died” after he downed the alcohol.

Stonegate said that when large orders are taken, bar staff must now check how many people are in a group and how many will be consuming the shots.

Vigilant​

A spokeswoman said: “All our staff are trained regarding the laws around the serving of alcohol. In this particular incident, a large number of low ABV shots were ordered by a member of a large group of customers.”

She added: “It was understood these were to be consumed by the group. In light of this, we have requested our teams remain vigilant and take reasonable steps to ensure this type of activity by customers does not happen again.”

The incident comes after licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen warned pubs to be vigilant of the ‘Neknomination’ drinking craze - a social media drinking game where ‘players’ down alcoholic drinks on camera. It is believed to have claimed up to five lives.