4 Hospitalized After Bar Served Tequila Shots With Drain Cleaner Instead of Salt

The Tiger Tiger nightclub in central London, Westminster City circa 2021. (Photo: Google Maps)

The Tiger Tiger nightclub in Haymarket, Central London has been fined £120,000 after accidentally serving four patrons with caustic salt-rimmed tequila shots.

The incident — recently investigated by the Westminster Council’s Health and Safety Team — occurred on December 7, 2021.

According to reports, the bartender on staff couldn’t find any salt behind the counter to accompany four tequila shot orders. The bartender proceeded into a dimly lit room where he scooped what he believed to be salt from a large white container sitting on the shelf.

“The court was told the women then licked the substance from the back of their hands and drank the shot,” said the Westminster council. “It was at that point the barman knew something was wrong, with the court hearing the women became ill in front of him, leading him to taste the white powder.”

The women immediately suffered burnt mouths and vomiting. Emergency services were called and all affected customers were treated at a nearby hospital.

Sodium hydroxide, otherwise known as caustic salt or lye, is typically used as a corrosive cleaning agent. Testing later found that the caustic salt had a pH level of 13, making it an acidic strong alkaline. Police officers say that the container was clearly marked.

The nightclub has now pled guilty to four charges under section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act and has been fined £120,000 (around $150,000 USD).

“The shocking details of this case show a lack of attention and proper process for handling toxic cleaning chemicals. This incident shows that overlooking basic safety measures can have the most serious consequences,” said Councillor Aicha Less, deputy leader and cabinet member for communities, public protection and licensing.