In a shocking incident at London’s Tiger Tiger nightclub, four women were hospitalised after a bartender mistakenly served them caustic soda instead of salt with their tequila shots. The club has been fined £120,000 for this grave error, which occurred on December 7, 2022.

The incident unfolded when the women ordered tequila shots at the bar. Realizing they were out of salt, the bartender went to a storage room to fetch some. However, in a hazardous mix-up, he scooped caustic soda, a cleaning substance, instead of salt from a large white container.

The patrons consumed the caustic soda with their shots, immediately experiencing a burning sensation in their mouths and vomiting profusely. The bartender, upon tasting the white powder himself, also suffered burns in his mouth and tongue.

Westminster City Council led a health and safety prosecution against the club, revealing these harrowing details. The incident prompted a police response, and the container of caustic soda was discovered at the scene.

During a hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court, A3D2 Limited, the owners of Tiger Tiger, pleaded guilty to four health and safety breaches related to exposing customers to the risk of chemical substances. The court ordered the firm to pay £120,000 over the incident.

Councillor Aicha Less, Deputy Leader in charge of communities, public protection, and licensing at the council, commented on the case. She highlighted the lack of attention and proper process for handling toxic cleaning chemicals at the club. She stressed that overlooking basic safety measures could have serious consequences and expressed hope that the significant fine would act as a warning to all businesses.

The Health and Safety Team at Westminster City Council is committed to working with businesses in the city to ensure high levels of health and safety are maintained and that staff are educated in safe practices.